Stuart Broad defends selection of old Dukes ball for Ashes series

England's second highest Test wicket-taker insists the decision does not overly favour the home side for the five-game duel with Australia

Stuart Broad insists this summer's Ashes will not descend into a bowl-off between England and Australia despite the decision to use the old Dukes ball for the series.

The ECB have confirmed the ball which was used to devastating effect in 2017 and 2018 will return this summer, despite being withdrawn for this season's County Championship.

A tighter-seamed cherry has been used for domestic games this season but batsmen have cashed in with some huge scores.

James Anderson averages 16.06 with the old specification and though Australia can call upon Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc this summer the decision is expected to benefit the hosts, who are hoping to win back the urn.

But Broad said: "Test cricket in this country has been exhilarating, fun, enjoyable over the last couple of years. 

"Do we need to step into the unknown in August and September with a different ball? Probably not.

"I don't see it as a pro-England decision because Australia have got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and [Peter] Siddle. It is a decision that is made on what is best for Test cricket in England.

"You can only go off the last couple of years of Test cricket here and batsman who have played well have scored runs.

"I've always thought that the longer format of the game 320 plays 300 is exciting cricket. I've never seen a good Test match of 500 plays 500.

"I think you need movement in the ball to make it exciting."

Not involved in England's World Cup plans, the Nottinghamshire seamer has over two months to prepare for the five-match series which starts at Edgbaston on August 1.

Yet his place could come under threat if Jofra Archer continues on his current trajectory which has seen him linked with a Test call-up just three games into his England career.

The Sussex seamer has already impressed with his effortless pace and variation, and captain Joe Root admits he is already under consideration.

Broad, a veteran of 437 Test victims, is unperturbed however and welcomes the emergence of the West Indies native.

"I am not threatened at all," the 32-year-old added. "He is untested at the top level but that is because he has not played a lot of it. 

"As an England supporter you want them to win every trophy available this summer.

"If we think he gives the team a better option of doing that then it is awesome to see him come onto the scene.

"Can I see him playing in the Ashes? Absolutely. You're never going to go through a series with the same three fast bowlers because injuries happen and rotation needs to occur."

Stuart Broad is helping NatWest champion cricket at all levels as part of this year’s #NoBoundaries campaign, which will see NatWest continuing its work to ensure cricket remains a game for everyone no matter their background.