'Part of my strategy was to pick a fight with....' - Stuart Broad makes revealing statement from Ashes Test

The Ashes Test series has been among the most anticipated as well as much-awaited series in the world. The current ongoing Ashes series has also been living up to the expectation of fans for providing a mouthwatering battle between bat and bowl.

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England resulted in the contentious dismissal of England batter Jonny Bairstow, which has added some tension to the series. This invited controversy and debates from players and fans of both sides. England trailed 1-2 in the five-match series despite winning the third Test after losing the first two.

On July 19, the fourth Ashes Test will begin, and England will aim to tie the series. After the Bairstow incident, England fast bowler Stuart Broad was seen mocking Australian players during that game at Lord's, especially Alex Carey. According to Broad, it was a tactic.

It's not like there's a huge battle going on off the field: Stuart Broad

"It was such an important moment of that game at Lord's. I had to make sure that I was mentally switched on and able to do a job for Ben Stokes at the other end. Part of my strategy was to pick a fight with a couple of Australians! So that I would not be focusing on too much technique and I would be focusing on the ball and making sure I stay there. Part of Ashes cricket, the rivalry, and the history is very much a great battle out there. Both teams have been really stuck in this series. A lot of the players know each other really well. We lunch in the same room. It's not like there's a huge battle going on off the field," Broad said on Sky Sports.

As the wicketkeeper for a 14-man selection for the fourth Test against Australia next week, England has stuck by Jonny Bairstow. With eight missed opportunities in the first three Tests, Bairstow has had a challenging series at the wickets. Ben Foakes of Surrey has received requests to take Bairstow's spot as the wicketkeeper, but captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum continue to back the Yorkshire player.

England will be looking to select the same lineup for the match against Australia which is scheduled to be played on Wednesday in Old Trafford, Manchester, after winning the third Test by three wickets in Leeds on Sunday to keep their quest for Ashes alive. The hosts are trying to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015, but currently, the hosts trail 2-1 with two Tests remaining.