Broad says 'something about Ashes cricket' stirred him to five-wicket haul at Gabba

England bowler Stuart Broad has said that there is something about Ashes cricket that brings out the best in him, adding that the more the Australian crowds stirred him at the opening day of the first Ashes Test, the more fun he had.

The paceman, who took a memorable five-wicket haul, 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.

However, News.com.au reports that Broad said although he was pleased that his mother was not watching him at Gabba, he was 'singing along' as he took the Australian scalps, adding that there is a 'little bit more niggle' in Ashes which brings out the best in him.

The chant of 'Broad is a wanker' echoed around the Gabba as Broad came into bowl his first ball, and when David Warner pulled that ball for four it was if Australia had retained the Ashes, the report added.