Ashes Concern: Broad Slams Australia’s “Muddled” Top Order Ahead of Perth Showdown

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has cast doubt on Australia’s current top-order configuration, calling it the most “muddled” in his lifetime as the team prepares for this year’s Ashes series. Speaking on the Grade Cricketer podcast, Broad questioned the viability of the Usman Khawaja-Sam Konstas-Cameron Green combination, currently in action in the Caribbean, and predicted changes before the Ashes opener in Perth this November.

“I can’t see this being the same top three for the Ashes,” Broad remarked. “I’m not out of place in thinking it’s the most muddled top three in my lifetime.”

Australia’s Top Order Under Scrutiny

Australia’s batting lineup has come under increasing pressure during their ongoing Test series against West Indies. Sam Konstas, 20, has returned scores of 3, 5, 25, and 0, while veteran opener Usman Khawaja continues to struggle for rhythm. Cameron Green, traditionally a middle-order batter, has been batting at No. 3 since Lord’s and showed promise with a half-century in Grenada, but questions remain over his long-term suitability at the position.

“I think Usman is struggling. Cameron Green at three — he’s a six, isn’t he? Five or six,” Broad noted. “Konstas is young and learning his way, and the Caribbean pitches have been tricky, so I imagine he’ll get a run. But you get a couple of low scores and start to question yourself.”

Despite his criticism, Broad offered some support for Konstas, citing his evident talent and potential. “I watched him net before the World Test Championship at Lord’s. The crunch off the bat you hear... he’s got something.”

Batting Coach Responds

Australia’s batting coach Michael Di Venuto responded to recent criticism — including Broad’s remarks and pointed comments from former wicketkeeper Ian Healy — by calling for patience and acknowledging ongoing technical work with Konstas.

“He’s a young man coming into the game. We’re working on a few things, but I can’t divulge everything,” Di Venuto said. “If we think back to some of our greats — Steve Waugh took 27 Tests to get his first hundred.”

Di Venuto admitted the top order hasn’t fired consistently in recent years. Since the start of 2024, Australia’s top three have averaged just 26.97 — placing them between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in global rankings — with Khawaja’s 232 in Sri Lanka the only century.

“We don’t hide behind the fact that we haven’t functioned as a unit for the last couple of years,” Di Venuto said. “Apart from the Sri Lanka series, it’s been tough going, and we’ve relied on individual brilliance. Conditions have changed, the balls have changed, and batting has become harder.”

Ashes Selection Looms

With Australia’s final Test before the Ashes set to begin this Saturday in Jamaica — a pink-ball match at Sabina Park — the pressure is on selectors to find a stable top order. The team had its first session with the Dukes pink ball on Wednesday, and batters were seen struggling with movement and bounce.

Broad, ever the agitator in Ashes build-ups, was also quick to downplay Di Venuto’s confidence in the current lineup: “Oh, that’s good… is he a selector?”

Looking Ahead

Australia's series against West Indies concludes in Jamaica, and all eyes will be on how the top order responds under lights. The Ashes opener at Perth Stadium is now just months away, and with England set to finish their tour of India beforehand, both sides are entering a crucial phase of preparation.

If current form continues, selectors may be forced to rework the top of the order — potentially opening the door for fresh domestic talent or reshuffling the existing lineup.

Key Stats Since Jan 2024:

Top 3 Batters’ Avg: 26.97
Only Century: Khawaja’s 232 vs Sri Lanka
Position in global top 3 averages: Mid-table, between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe

Next Test:
Australia vs West Indies, 2nd Test – Starts July 13, Sabina Park, Jamaica (Day-Night, Pink Ball)