Stuart Broad warns Australia ahead of Ashes after Ireland five-fer

England pacer Stuart Broad has warned Australia ahead of the upcoming Ashes series which starts later this month.

The English pacer is playing the one-off Test match against Ireland ahead of that and has started the summer in fantastic fashion. Broad picked up five wickets against Ireland in the first innings as Ireland were skittled for just 172 runs.

Matthew Potts and Jack Leach picked up the other five wickets as the English team are currently in the driving seat in the match.

As England lock horns against Australia, Broad feels he is at his best rhythm and is confident ahead of the final.

"I actually felt probably in the best rhythm of the summer so far. To come into the first game of the international summer and really hit my straps and feel like I was on the money is a great start for me. I don't rely on confidence at my age, I know I can bowl well and where the ball is going, but it's always a nice lift when you have some wickets behind you," he said after the end of day's play.

The English pacer also appreciated the turnout at Lords and anticipates the upcoming Ashes is set to be a stunning affair.

"A few of us were out there at tea when the sun was shining for one of the first times this season and we were all saying, 'How good's this? Blue sky at Lord's, a crowd in, Test match, it's as good as it gets," Broad added.

England will be eyeing to win the series against the Aussies as they aim to start the new WTC cycle with a positive start. Australia, meanwhile will be kicking off their Ashes series after the upcoming WTC Final.

The Aussies will be taking on India in the WTC Final which starts from June 7 at the Oval.