England cricket star announces shock retirement
England bowler Stuart Broad will retire from Test cricket following the Ashes.
The 37-year-old made the announcement at stumps on day three of the final Test against Australia at the Kia Oval.
Broad has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, making him the second most successful paceman in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson.
“Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have.
“It’s been a wonderful series to be part of and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top. This series just feels like it’s been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining that I’ve been part of.”
Broad, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2007, sits fifth on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers.
Alongside team-mate Anderson, he is one of only two fast bowlers to pass 600 Test wickets for their country and took his 150th Ashes wicket in his final game this week.
The Nottinghamshire player leaves international cricket with a number of honours to his name, including the 2010 T20 World Cup and four Ashes series wins.
He informed England captain Ben Stokes of his decision on Friday evening before speaking with the rest of the squad on Saturday morning.
“I have thought a lot about it and even up until 8pm last night, I wasn’t 50/50 but I was a little bit unsure,” continued Broad.
“But once I went to Stokesy’s room and told him I felt really happy.
“England v 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 the Ashes and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.”
A statement from the ECB read: “The England and Wales Cricket Board would like to thank Stuart for his incredible dedication and contribution to English cricket and we wish him well for the remainder of his final Test match and the future.”
England put themselves in pole position for an Ashes-levelling win in the fifth and final Test, leaving Australia a record chase after another display of ‘Bazball’ bravado at the Kia Oval.
The hosts turned in a swaggering attacking performance on day three in south London, clattering their way to 389 for nine as they ushered an enthralling series towards its end game.
Joe Root cracked 91 before being undone by a shooter, Zak Crawley signed off a fine summer with a vibrant 73 and Jonny Bairstow clubbed 78 as the tourists chased leather for 80 overs.
It was a fitting way for England’s batting unit to bow out after six weeks of fearless – and often reckless – hitting with 48 boundaries and three sixes.
Australia have already retained the urn thanks to their 2-1 lead but face a mountainous battle if they are to land a first outright win on these shores in 22 years.
Published: by Radio NewsHub