New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Former Australian all-rounder Steve O’Keefe has expressed his support for ex-English fast bowler Stuart Broad's statement regarding the worst Australian team since 2010. He noted that he "fundamentally" agrees with Broad's comments and has predicted that England will emerge victorious in the series.

England has not secured an Ashes series win since 2015 and has not triumphed in a Test match in Australia since 2011. In response to former Australian batsman David Warner's assertion that England would suffer a 4-0 defeat in the upcoming series, Broad remarked that Australia is fielding their "worst" team since 2010 for this Ashes.

"You wouldn’t be outlandish in thinking – it’s actually not an opinion, it’s a fact – it’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won. And it’s the best English team since 2010,” he stated on his podcast, For The Love Of Cricket.

O’Keefe has now weighed in, supporting Broad's perspective. "Reflecting on the squad from that time, featuring legends like Ponting, Clarke, Haddin, Harris, Johnson, Katich, young Khawaja, and Smith, England handed us a 3-1 defeat. Cook dominated that series, and James Anderson took 24 wickets. It was an excellently led team by Andrew Strauss," O’Keefe remarked on SEN Run Home.

“That English team was exceptional. I concur with Broad's sentiment. I believe this English squad is indeed the strongest since 2010, and the Australians appear to be more vulnerable than ever since that time. While it’s not the worst team, there was significant instability in the spin bowling during that (2011) series; it lacked consistency and balance, but many of Australia’s greatest cricketers were part of that lineup," he explained.

“What he is suggesting is that this series could be closely contested, and Australia finds itself under considerable pressure. I absolutely and fundamentally align with Stuart Broad on that point. I have predicted England to win. We are aware of the potential these players possess when they perform at their peak, but executing that under pressure is another challenge altogether. I appreciate players who openly share their thoughts; I want to hear more candid discussions like this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aussie captain Pat Cummins is struggling to prove his fitness, as recent scans indicate that his back stress fracture has yet to heal. He may miss the first Ashes Test scheduled for November 21 in Perth.