Former England captain Michael Atherton has referred to Australian opener David Warner’s dismissal against pace spearhead Stuart Broad as the worst nightmare for any batter on Day 2 of the 2023 Ashes opener in Edgbaston on Saturday, June 17. The veteran said this as it will be a mental challenge for Warner to break free from this as Broad has the upperhand here. However, the statement came after Warner (9 runs off 27 balls) was dismissed by Broad for the 15th time in Test cricket as well.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Michael Atherton said: “The worst thing for Warner to start the series is to get out to Broad because it just opens up all the memories and all the contexts of what’s gone wrong previously. Of course, England’s fielders won’t be slow to remind him when he comes out [to bat] next time. It’s the worst nightmare as a batter. You have to find a way through it. It’s very tough mentally when a bowler keeps having success against you in the same way.”

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Meanwhile, the former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen said it was an unfortunate dismissal because he believed that David Warner had come with a lot of preparation and he also looked good with the bat against him as well.

The veteran said: “Such a wasted opportunity for him [David Warner] because he was playing so well, and then to give it away, the way that he gave it away, for him, [it was] very unfortunate.”

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Michael Atherton also added that he was dismissed to veteran Australian player Glenn McGrath for a record 19 times in Tests. He said: “Of course, 15th time now that Broad has got him. So, I am desperate that Australia keep picking Warner [in the XI] because I, of course, hold the record for the batsman dismissed the most by a bowler in Test. 19 [chuckles], McGrath and me. So, keep picking Warner. So that by the end of the series, it’s a nice thing to have.”