'His body language is not of a Test-match bowler in the battle' - Stuart Broad criticises England pacer after Ashes debacle

Stuart Broad expressed his disappointment with fast bowler Gus Atkinson's abysmal performance during the Ashes 2025-26, which England is trailing 1-3 heading into the final Test in Sydney. The right-arm seamer was expected to play a key role as England were looking to reclaim the coveted Ashes urn after handing it to their arch-rivals in 2018.

Atkinson played three Tests and only managed six wickets at an average of 47.33 and a strike rate of 73. He sustained a hamstring injury during the fourth Test in Melbourne and was subsequently ruled out of the fifth match.

Broad said that he had no doubts about Atkinson's ability as a fast bowler but urged him to show better body language in the red-ball format.

“Atkinson has amazing attributes. He still averages under 25 with the ball, he wobbles the seam, he can swing it, he’s tall, he’s consistent, but his body language is not of a Test-match bowler in the battle. He was work to do on that," Broad told Sky Sports.

“That doesn’t matter so much when you’re playing teams you should dominate and beat, but not against top teams, so his areas of improvement aren’t attributes or mental ability to cope with pressure, but letting your team know you are leading this group,” said the former England pacer.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also advised Atkinson not to show opposition batters that he is being put under any sort of pressure by the way they are batting.

“I read a piece about Tiger Woods, who would never look at the floor when golfing. His eyes would always be above the horizon, which is really strong for body language. When I was under pressure or struggling I would keep my eyes above the horizon because then someone couldn’t tell if I’d bowled a good or bad ball. You’re constantly in the battle, and your opposition cannot feel like they are getting on top of you,” said Broad.