Stuart Broad has finally acknowledged - with a grin - the infamous 'pommy cheat' label that’s dogged him for over a decade.
As the former England fast bowler prepares to return to Australia in a new role as a TV commentator, he's once again in the crosshairs of Aussie cricket fans — many of whom haven’t forgotten his refusal to walk during the 2013 Ashes at Trent Bridge.
Speaking during Sky Sports coverage of England’s Test against India, Broad was reminded by fellow commentator Michael Atherton of the reaction from Down Under to his new Channel Seven commentary gig for the 2025–26 Ashes series, which kicks off on November 21.
"Just a reminder of how popular you are down there," Atherton quipped.
Stuart Broad has finally acknowledged - with a grin - the infamous 'pommy cheat' label that’s dogged him for over a decade
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"The Brisbane Courier Mail couldn't bring themselves to put a photo of you on the front page and then called you a smug, pommy, cheat, Broadban."
When asked if he was looking forward to his new role, Broad laughed and replied: "Well, I sort of obviously agree with the pommy and the cheat bit, but I don't think I'm smug."
The admission, which was part tongue-in-cheek, refers to the notorious moment during the 2013 Ashes when Broad edged a delivery to first slip and remained at the crease despite knowing he was out.
The umpire gave him not out, and Broad went on to score an unbeaten 65 — a pivotal contribution to England’s narrow 14-run win in that match.
The incident caused uproar, particularly in Australia, where former players and media outlets accused him of breaching the spirit of the game.
West Indies legend Michael Holding even called for Broad to be banned, calling the decision not to walk “contrary to the spirit of the game.”
The fury only intensified during the return leg of the Ashes in Australia, where News Corp publications launched a front-page campaign dubbed the “Broad Ban”, refusing to print his image and mocking him relentlessly in the press.
Broad, however, has never expressed remorse.
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Stuart Broad riled Australia when he refused to walk during the 2013 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge
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He once said he "wouldn’t change it for anything", noting that his innings helped secure the match for England.
He’s often brushed off the criticism, attributing the backlash to frustration from a losing Australian side. He’s also argued that few players voluntarily walk in today’s game and that it’s the umpire’s job to make the call.
Now retired from international cricket, Broad is set to join a heavyweight commentary team alongside Aussie greats Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden for the upcoming Ashes broadcast on Channel Seven.
“Incredible commentary line-up to be a part of, brilliant cricket brains,” Broad said.
“I’ve worked with Ricky quite a bit and with Haydos on the World Test Championship Final, so I really respect their views on the game.”
Looking ahead to the series, Broad expects a closely contested battle.
“I think both teams are matched up quite nicely," he said.
"Obviously, Australia have had the better of England for a long time over there, but England are coming with a pretty strong team.
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Stuart Broad retired from cricket back in 2023
| GETTY“I'm really excited to give my views on how I think the series will go, and call it live.”
Despite hanging up his boots, Broad’s return to Australia behind the mic is bound to reignite the banter and fire that made him such a central figure in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.