Cricket: Broad calls commentator 'pathetic'

Stuart Broad has disputed claims he had sledgers removed. Photo / AP

Ashes villain Stuart Broad has denied a claim that he had two members ejected from the SCG last week for sledging him.

Radio and television commentator Jimmy Smith tweeted yesterday that he was told by an eyewitness that after some "minor heckling" during England's tour match against an Invitational XI, Broad asked security to remove two SCG members from the stadium.

Broad angrily hit back at Smith on Twitter almost immediately and denied a role in the incident. "If you're gonna make stuff up to get attention for yourself you may as well make it half decent. Pathetic," wrote Broad.

The England fast bowler, labelled a "cheat" by Australian coach Darren Lehmann in a radio interview, was always going to be a target for fans this series, after his infamous decision not to walk in the first test of the last Ashes in Britain.

But allegations that Broad has already reacted before the first test will only add fuel to the fire for fans at the Gabba on Thursday.

Smith said he was told that Broad was walking through the side of the members' bar after the end of a session when he was sledged with "Keep walking Johnnie, keep walking Johnnie", a reference to commercials for Johnnie Walker.

A short time later, security came up to the man and his friend and told them that the England team were unhappy with their behaviour.

Much to their surprise, security asked them to leave.

Broad has been unrepentant over his decision to stand his ground at Trent Bridge in July, after he'd edged a ball off Ashton Agar that flicked Brad Haddin's gloves and was caught by Michael Clarke at first slip.

Lehmann revealed on radio at the end of the tour that his players had been at Broad for the rest of the series, and he encouraged home fans to give it to the controversial quick when the show arrived Downunder.

- AAP