‘Like R. Ashwin against me’: Stokes reveals Warner factor in Broad’s selection for Ashes opener

England captain Ben Stokes revealed that Stuart Broad’s dominance over David Warner was a major factor in his selection for the Ashes opener, starting on Friday.

During the 2019 Ashes campaign, Warner was troubled by Broad’s deliveries from around the wicket. In 10 innings, the opener was dismissed seven times by the English bowler, resulting in an average of less than 10 for the series.

Asked if that was a factor in Broad’s selection, Stokes said, “I’d be lying if I said no,” as quoted by cricket.com.au.

The English captain compared Broad’s impact on Warner to Indian spinner R. Ashwin’s record against him. He also applauded the fast bowler for his consistency throughout the years.

“It’s just one of those things — like (India’s Ravichandran) Ashwin against me. ‘Broady’ has been an unbelievable performer over many years.

“What the Ashes brings, it’s so hard to look past someone like that. It’s so hard to look past Jimmy and ‘Robbo’ as well, he’s been incredible over the last year in all conditions. I’m very happy with the team we’ve ended up picking,” Stokes said.

Warner showed signs of form during his first-innings hand of 43 in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final last week and has vowed to be more aggressive against Broad than he was four years ago.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has also expressed his confidence that Warner will prevail over his long-time nemesis.

“I’m sure he’s thought about it a lot over the last couple of years hoping to get another crack at it. Davey will have all his plans in place. I’m sure you’ll see a bit more of an aggressive Davey than what you saw in 2019 and he’s itching to get out there and have another chance at it,” Cummins said.

-IANS

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