Cricket: Broad shoulders help to cop flak

England fast bowler Stuart Broad reacts as Aussie captain Steve Smith continues to score runs yesterday at the Gabba. Photo / AP

Mercilessly bounced with the ball, England quick Stuart Broad has then copped a verbal bumper for squandering the decision review system while bowling on day two of the first Ashes test in Brisbane.

Skipper Steve Smith posted an unbeaten 64 to rescue Australia from a precarious start and guide the hosts to 165-4 at stumps, replying to England's 302.

Broad would have been forgiven for ducking for cover on and off the field after revelling in his role as Ashes villain yesterday.

The lanky fast bowler first received a chorus of boos from a sold-out Gabba when he strode to the crease in England's first innings.

And it only got louder when Broad endured a relentless short-pitched attack from a frustrated Australia to post a vital 20, guiding England to 302.

Broad didn't endear himself when he rode his luck, taking a long-handled approach to thrash three fours and even enjoyed a life when Shaun Marsh grassed a chance in the outfield.

TV commentator Shane Warne appeared to delight in watching Broad struggle against the frequent bouncers from Aussie trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

"Anything above medium pace and Stuart Broad struggles," the former champion legspinner said.

Warne later tweeted: "Wasn't pretty to watch the English lower order try and play the short ball!"

There was no respite for Broad with ball in hand despite some early success.

Broad silenced the crowd when he made short work of rookie Cameron Bancroft, claiming the opener caught behind for five to reduce Australia to 7-1 in the fourth over.

But he still couldn't escape criticism.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell took aim at Broad for squandering the DRS after calling for an lbw shout against Shaun Marsh to be reviewed despite appearing too high.

Marsh survived the review but Broad wasn't so fortunate after Chappell let rip.

"I tell you what, if I was the captain, I would be totally ignoring Stuart Broad because he thinks everything is out when he is bowling," he said.

"I mean, so do most bowlers, but Broad more so.

"If I was Joe Root I would be turning to the keeper immediately so I couldn't see Stuart Broad."

Smith and Marsh's stand — the first significant partnership of the innings — dug the home team out of serious trouble at a ground where Australia haven't lost a test match since 1988, and where England haven't recorded a victory in 31 years.