The Ashes 2025-26: ‘England’s leaderless bowling is another major problem’

Broad, though, highlighted a deeper issue that could continue to thwart England’s plans.

“[Archer, Carse and Atkinson] don’t strike me as real tacticians of a game – thinkers of the craft,” said Broad on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, external.

“It struck me there were a lot of times Archer was at mid-on, Atkinson deep cover and Carse bowling. They would not say a word. You have got to work together.

“Stokes has to make all of the decisions along with other captaincy decisions. He is bowling, pouring with sweat and looks like he is taking so much on.

“It is first time he has captained without an experienced bowler.”

Suddenly the absence of Woakes and his 62 Tests of experience looks more significant, even with his history of struggling down under.

Remarkably, with Wood now to return home, 22-year-old Bashir’s 19 Test caps make him the most experienced of any of England’s frontline bowlers on tour.

Hopes Atkinson could grow from his quiet personality and be the attack leader were hit by injuries he suffered in the summer, which meant he only played one of the India Tests.

Archer is the most experienced quick with 17 caps, making his way back after four years out injured.

“That’s not me saying Anderson should be here or Woakes should be here,” added Broad.

“It is one of those things that happens.

“It struck me for the first time in two years that there is no-one helping Stokesy.”

Given it is too late to be fixed, this may be England’s biggest Ashes problem of all.

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