Stuart Broad has declared his decision to retire from all forms of cricket after his fifth Ashes Test match comes to an end. Broad took the decision at night, having thought about ending his career for a period of ‘a few weeks’.
The 37-year-old has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests making him the second-most successful pacer in the history of Test cricket after teammate James Anderson.
“Tomorrow, or on Monday, will mark my last day of cricket. it’s been an amazing journey, and a great pleasure for me to sport the Nottinghamshire and England badge as often as I’ve ever done and I’m enjoying cricket more than I’ve ever had,” Broad told Ian Ward on Sky Sports at the close of day three.
“This series just feels like it’s been the most entertaining and enjoyable series and I’ve always wanted it to end with the best.
“I took the decision around 8.30 the previous night. I’ve been contemplating the decision for a while, maybe a couple of weeks. England against Australia is always the most awe-inspiring match for me. I’ve enjoyed the wars between England and Australia that have come to my way as well as the team’s also, I’ve always had a fascination with Ashes and I wanted that my final bowl and bat to be part of Ashes cricket.
“I informed Stokesy last night and then told in the change room today. honestly, it just seemed like the right moment and I didn’t want my friends or Nottinghamshire teammates to know what might be revealed so I’d rather just let it be known and give it a go to the final Australia game.”
Broad made his debut in the Test against Sri Lanka in 2007, is ranked fifth in the all-time record of the top Test wicket-takers. Along with teammate Anderson, he’s the only fast bowlers who have taken 600 wickets in the Test format for their nation and also has taken the 150th Ashes wicket in his final match this week, which is the most for any Englishman.
The Nottinghamshire player is leaving the international stage with string of awards to his name which include his 2010 T20 World Cup and four Ashes series victories.
“I have been thinking a lot about it and even till 8pm last night when I was not 50/50. However, when I went to the room of Stokesy and explained my thoughts, I felt very happy throughout the day and happy with all that I’ve achieved during the game. The final decision was made because I was sure that I was ready to quit the game that I loved and my last memory being a truly relaxing changing room.
“I have many companion and management figures that I’ve known for a long time. I glance around and realize that I have played a lot of cricket with them all. It’s like my changing room, and I’d like to go home being with a group of players that I absolutely love.”
The former England captain Mike Atherton described Broad as an “undeniably excellent cricketer” Former captain Nasser Hussain was impressed by Broad’s competitive attitude and passion to fight.
“Very seldom do bowlers or a cricketer meet all the boxes,” Hussain told Sky Sports. “As captain, you need that, particularly in an Ashes fight when you say to your players: “Do you really want to play at the bottom of the pan?”
“Some people love it but then shy away from it. They would like to taste it, but aren’t interested in it anymore as they don’t want pressure. Stuart’s greatest strength is that he desires to be in the cauldron. He is eager to be in the pressure, he loves the pressure, but the pressure could be a detriment over time.”
Broad’s former captain Sir Alastair Cook has said: “I’m a bit emotional and somewhat surprised, however, if you look at the schedule of Stuart Broad, you have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer. No offense to these sides, but Broad is about big events. For him to make it through another huge moment could take another two and a half years.
“The only player who can deliver along with Ben Stokes, in the crucial moment can be Stuart Broad and what a feeling it could be for an athlete.”
Broad’s hero Glenn McGrath hailed the England seamer as a “true champion”.
