Experienced English fast bowler Stuart Broad has announced that the upcoming fifth Ashes Test will be his “final cricket match,” marking the end of a splendid career during which he claimed 600+ wickets, becoming the second-fastest bowler to reach this milestone and the fourth overall in Test cricket. Broad will bid farewell to his illustrious cricket journey after being England’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, surpassing even his long-time teammate and fellow quick, James Anderson.
Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket after the third day’s play at The Oval on Saturday, Broad said, “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last Test match.” He described his cricket career as an incredible journey and expressed his immense gratitude for representing Nottinghamshire and England. Broad has been the second-highest wicket-taker for England in Test cricket after James Anderson.
While Broad has announced his retirement from Test cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement confirming his decision, bringing an end to his remarkable 17-year international career.
Broad admitted that he had been debating retiring for the previous few weeks but finally decided to do so at 8.30 p.m. the previous evening. Ben Stokes, his captain, was notified on Friday night, and the rest of his teammates were informed on Saturday. According to Broad, playing against Australia has always been the summit of his career. I adore the Ashes, and this journey has been incredible. I had the good fortune to represent England during a time of such amazing skill and accomplishment.
Stuart Broad – Greatest of all time
Stuart Broad’s career included 56 T20Is, where he took 65 wickets between 2006 and 2014, and 121 ODIs, where he claimed 178 wickets between 2006 and 2016. He was part of the England team that won the 2010 T20 World Cup.
More about Stuart Broad
However, Broad’s most impressive numbers came in Test cricket. He currently has 602 wickets and can still add to this tally as England aims to prevent Australia from securing a series victory for the first time since 2001. Broad recently achieved his 150th Ashes wicket during his final Test match at The Oval.
Cricket during the Ashes has become synonymous with Broad’s career. His tenacity frequently led the Australian media to refer to him as “public enemy number one.” With 151 wickets under his belt, he is on pace to overtake Glenn McGrath’s record of 157 wickets and move into third place behind Shane Warne as England’s top wicket-taker against Australia. He currently ranks third among Ashes wicket-takers, just 195 wickets behind McGrath and the late Australian spin legend.
One of the defining moments of his career came in the fourth Test of the 2015 Ashes series at Trent Bridge, his home ground, where he wreaked havoc against Australia, taking 8/15 in just 9.3 overs, dismissing them for a mere 60 runs. Broad’s eight five-wicket hauls in Ashes are the most by any England player before the first World War.
