Published: Jul 29, 2023, 11:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 30, 2023, 04:15 PM (IST)
VETERAN England pacer Stuart Broad has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. Broad confirmed that he will hang his boots after the ongoing 5th Ashes Test. Broad is one of the greatest bowlers to play cricket and the second pacer to take more than 600 wickets in Tests after James Anderson.
“Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket,” Broad told Sky Sports Cricket at the close of play on day three. “It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have.
“I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have, it’s been a wonderful series to be a part of and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top.
“This series feels like it has been the most wonderful and entertaining to be a part of.”
Broad revealed that he was mulling over retirement for a few weeks and felt that Ashes being the pinnacle of cricket was the perfect platform to end his 17-year-long career.
‘I made the decision about 8.30pm last night. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, a few weeks. England vs Australia has always been the pinnacle for me – I have loved the battles with Australia that have come my way and the team’s way. I have a love affair with Ashes and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket
‘I told Stokesy last night and told the changing room this morning and to be honest it just felt the right time. I didn’t want my friends or Nottingham team mates to see things that might come out so I prefer to just say it and just give it a good crack for the last Australia innings
‘I have thought a lot about it and even up until 8pm last night, I wasn’t 50/50 but even when I went up to Stokesy’s room and told him I have felt really happy since and content with everything I have achieved.’
Broad, who has 602 Test wickets will be eyeing a few more and lead England to a series levelling win in the 5th Test. England lead Australia by 377, with one wicket left, and with two full days to go, the hosts will back themselves to defend the huge score.
Along with 602 Test wickets, Broad has taken 178 ODI wickets in 121 games and 65 T20I wickets in 56 matches.
