‘Just looked at him and said, ‘You are an absolute disgrace’ – Stuart Broad recalls Ashes altercation with Pat Cummins

Stuart Broad vs Pakistan 2012. (Photo Source: LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP via Getty Images)

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has opened up about a fiery episode during the Ashes series, singling out Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins as an “absolute disgrace.” Broad’s frustration boiled over after Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping at Lord’s by Alex Carey, who capitalised on Bairstow’s repeated crease-straying. Broad’s comments shed light on a tense moment in the high-stakes cricket rivalry.

The Ashes series buzzed with discussion following this incident. Although Australia clinched victory in the second Test at Lord’s, their moment of triumph faced a formidable challenge from Ben Stokes, who delivered an outstanding century. In the midst of it all, the former England pacer assumed an adversarial role on the cricketing stage.

“As I’m walking out to bat at Lord’s and there’s boos going at the Aussies, the captain Pat Cummins is coming on to bowl so he’s walking towards me at the end of his mark, And I just looked at him and said, ‘You’re an absolute disgrace’,” Broad said on the Up Front podcast.

Pat Cummins giveback and Stuart Broad regretting his on-field behaviour

 Cummins’ retort harked back to a pivotal moment in the Ashes 2013, when Broad opted not to walk despite having clearly edged the ball to slips. This move earned him a “not out” verdict from the umpire, igniting a fervent debate.

Broad recounted, “He [Cummins] said, ‘Oh yeah, you’re hardly an upkeep of the spirit of cricket’.” Cummins’ comeback alluded to the contentious incident, adding spice to their on-field exchanges.

Recently retired and ranking fifth in Test wickets, the 37-year-old voiced regret for his actions, acknowledging a wish to have refrained from accentuating his bat placement within the crease post Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal, he stressed that he had no influence over his behavior after the incident occurred.

“Then the next 10 minutes became me being very facetious and shouting in every time, which I had huge regrets about that night. I was hugely embarrassed about it but I had no real control over what I was doing,” he said.