Broad says England entered Ashes opener at Gabba as 'silent assassins'

England bowler Stuart Broad has said that his side felt like 'silent assassins' on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, where he took a memorable five-wicket haul despite their understated Ashes build-up.

The paceman was dubbed a 'smug Pommy cheat' by an Australian newspaper as the series got under way, over his decision not to walk during the last Ashes Tests, and was booed loudly by the Brisbane crowd.

According to Sport24, however, Broad, who removed all four of Australia's top order and then broke up a dangerous rearguard partnership for first-day figures of five for 65 off 20 overs, said that the label made him smile, adding that he and his team almost felt like silent assassins as they had never focused on what the other team was doing.

Broad said that England had come into the Ashes 'under the radar', with all the attention focused on the hosts and their predictions about what was in store for England, adding that it was perfect for them as it meant that they could just get on with their business and get ready.

Stating that it is a relief for them to have started the winter series well, Broad further said that now that they made their arrival, he and his teammates are going to stand up, adding that he took no extra motivation from the boos at the Gabba ground, where Australia are unbeaten in 25 years, calling it all 'good banter'.

Broad revealed that in medical assessments he was among three players mentioned by the team psychologist who would thrive on getting abuse, along with Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior.