Australian opener Marcus Harris responds to Stuart Broad’s ‘void series’ claim about 2021-22 Ashes

Australian opening batsman Marcus Harris has discussed England villain Stuart Broad’s ‘interesting’ tendency to ‘stir a bit of s--t up’ as the Ashes loom. He speaks to DANIEL CHERNY.

Stuart Broad appeals for the wicket of Cameron Green during the 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia, which the England paceman claims was null and void. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Australian opener Marcus Harris says he likes how England veteran Stuart Broad is “willing to stir a bit of shit up” but that the Aussies won’t worry themselves with any of the paceman’s pre-Ashes gibes.

Broad, long a pantomime villain in Australian cricket, opened the mind game proceedings last month when he claimed that Australia’s 4-0 series win in the 2021-22 series could be written off as a void series because of the strict Covid-19 restrictions faced by the teams, in which their movement around the community was limited.

“Nothing was harsher than the last Ashes series,” Broad told the Daily Mail.

“But in my mind I don’t class that as a real Ashes. The definition of Ashes cricket is elite sport with lots of passion and players at the top of their game.

“Nothing about that series was high level performance because of the Covid restrictions. The training facilities, the travel, not being able to socialise.

“I’ve written it off as a void series.”

Stuart Broad’s England side was hammered 4-0 in the last Ashes series. Picture: Linda Higginson

Harris, who played the first four Tests of that series before being dropped for the finale in Hobart, said he agreed that Australia’s tough pandemic rules had made things challenging, but noted that things had been difficult for both sides.

“Interesting,” Harris told CODE Sports when asked what he made of Broad’s remarks.

“I understand it was tough for us and we were at home, so I couldn’t imagine what it was like being overseas. I think the less said on our behalf the better throughout this series. Covid was challenging for everyone. I remember at the time with all the Covid rules and the bubbles, we were starting days’ play late because people had been a close contact or whatever.

“I can understand how those guys didn’t really enjoy how strict our rules were. It was a challenge but it was the same for everyone at that stage. So we couldn’t even stay at home while we were at home, so it was tough either way. But those things get said.”

Marcus Harris bats for Australia at the SCG during the last Ashes series. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

While England faced restrictions, it was Australia who lost captain Pat Cummins for the second Test of that series because he was a close contact, while Travis Head missed the fourth Test after contracting Covid-19.

However, Harris said he enjoyed Broad’s candour and preparedness to play a few verbal shots.

“Stuart Broad’s always been quite an out-there, outgoing sort of guy, so he’s quite happy to have his opinions and say what he thinks; but that’s good, I think we need more of that in cricket,” Harris said.

“I think so many blokes are like robots now, too afraid to say anything, at least he’s willing to stir a bit of shit up or say something that people might disagree with. No one in our team takes it personally or worries about it, I think the more the better.”

Broad has long been a thorn in Australia’s side, with his 131 Ashes wickets the most of any Englishman and behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Hugh Trumble.

TOMORROW: Marcus Harris on David Warner’s struggles

Originally published as Australian opener Marcus Harris responds to Stuart Broad’s ‘void series’ claim about 2021-22 Ashes