England's heads dropped too soon - Broad

Stuart Broad accused England of dropping their heads too early during Travis Head's ruthless onslaught which helped Australia race to victory in the first Test.

While England lost all 20 wickets in just 67.5 overs, the series opener seemed to be still in the balance with Australia needing 205 to win, only for Head to blast the hosts to victory.

A brutal 69-ball century from the makeshift opener, deputising for the injured Usman Khawaja, included four sixes and 16 fours and ensured Australia cantered to an eight-wicket win inside two days.

"The body language went - it's so easy for the body language to go when someone's playing like that but I'd say it went a bit too early," ex-England bowler Broad said on the For the Love of Cricket podcast.

"If they need 40 to win and Travis Head's 100 not out then it's fine to be floating around. But it felt like it went, even when he got to 40 or 50, which I think [head coach Brendon] McCullum will be disappointed about.

"I think these next 10 to 12 days are the biggest challenge McCullum and Stokes have had in their leadership roles of this England team."