Stuart Broad, one-half of England’s most successful fast-bowling pair, has officially announced his retirement from cricket. After alerting his teammates after the second day’s play on Friday, Broad made it public just before the close of play on Saturday in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.
Broad, now 37, who recently surpassed 600 wickets in Test cricket, confirmed the news after the day’s play. After making his Test debut in 2007, he won 167 caps and is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Ashes series.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Broad expressed his love for the game and his desire to end his career on a high note. “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket,” he told the broadcaster 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.”
He emphasised the significance of the Ashes and his love of the England-Australia rivalry, and suggested it would be fitting to end his 17-year-long journey with an Ashes contest. First, however, Broad intends to help England secure a series-levelling victory. Having lost the first two Tests of the series, England lead by 377 with Broad and Jimmy Anderson at the crease, and are handily placed to complete a great comeback.
“I thought a lot about it and even up to last night I wasn’t sure, but once I went to Stokesy’s room and told him, I felt really happy and content with everything I’ve achieved in the game,” Broad said. “Ultimately, the decision came down to… I know I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and my lasting memory being of a really enjoyable changing room.
“It feels like my changing room and I wanted to walk away playing with a group of players I love to bits.”
“England versus Australia has always been the pinnacle for me,” said Broad, whose father, Chris, played a huge part in England’s 1986-87 Ashes win down under, mere months after his son was born. “I’ve loved the battles with Australia which have come my way personally and the team’s way.
“I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.”
Broad made his first-class debut for Leicestershire in 2005 and later moved to Nottinghamshire. He also featured in 121 ODIs and 56 T20Is, famous rebounding from the ignominy of being smashed for six sixes by Yuvraj Singh in a World T20 match in Durban in 2007.