Every England-Australia Ashes series becomes a special occasion not solely due to the cricket that is played, but additionally because of the excitement that follows it. This is because broadcasters as well as fan groups engage in the game in the same manner as the players do. The first Test at Edgbaston was marked as much by the spectacle of Ollie Robinson as by the thrilling day 5 match, proving once again that cricket’s fiercest and longest-running rivalry is waged both on and off the pitch. The English team, despite the defeat, is upbeat and has taken advantage of the occasion to spar with Australian media and analysts.
The conflict involving the Australian media along with Robinson hasn’t subsided as a result of Robinson’s response to taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja, a centurion, in the first innings. The Englishman handed Khawaja a stupendous send-off as well as afterwards defended it in a press conference.
The Australian sports network Fox Cricket threw fuel to the fire in the lead-up to what is sure to be a contentious Test at Lord’s by designating Robinson as the “No. 1 villain” on Twitter. But Robinson’s fast-bowling teammate Stuart Broad wasn’t about to take it, and he used comedy to retaliate against Fox Cricket. He tweeted on the Fox Sports Twitter handle that, “No1 Villain?!” I can’t have lost that tag already, can I?! Disappointing.”
As the hosts try to get back into the series, Ben Stokes’ team may need to play the pantomime villain and inject more passion into England’s performance versus the Australians at Lord’s. Despite the jabs, Robinson finished the Test match with five scalps, compared to Broad’s six. While they will need James Anderson, the attack’s leader, to play better, England will undoubtedly try to rally and regain control at the home of cricket, regardless of the team selections made. But if England manages to lose the next Test match, it will be extremely hard to regain the urn in the following matches.
Fans react to Stuart Broad’s hilarious statement on losing the ‘No 1 Villian’ tag: –
“No1 Villain?!” I can’t have lost that tag already can I?! Disappointing
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) June 22, 2023
Sorry Stuart… it's less "love to hate" and more like "hate to love".
Enjoyed your work this Test as always.
— Steve (@beardfear) June 22, 2023
You've been usurped my friend. The older you get, the more Aussies like you.
— Paul (@bluesfor) June 22, 2023
Secret Time: You back it up with ability, now can you teach Ollie to bowl quicker than Graham Gooch and he might earn the right to send off a bloke who made 140 odd.
— Steve Hodgson (@hodgavic) June 23, 2023
We respect you too much Stuey. You did spend time over here in Melb early doors.
— Tim Dole ?????? (@MadSaint) June 22, 2023
Whole england team got that tag, stuart!
— Div? (@div_yumm) June 22, 2023
Not for us Indians, no! That six 6s did it for us.
— Chittaranjan (@C_Baral88) June 22, 2023
You will always be “No1 Villian” to me @StuartBroad8 pic.twitter.com/4eVTD7DrNg
— Joe? (@J0ecitizen) June 22, 2023
You had it for a solid decade champ. Was a good run. We all enjoyed it while it lasted
— Callum Davidson (@callumdav) June 22, 2023
How can a guy wearing a sweatband around his head even get close to villain status???
— ?Jason Bradley (@Paddleboat69) June 22, 2023
They’re scared of the NightHawk? so are targeting Robbo ????
— Olly (@Olly_Jimmy9) June 22, 2023
