After the third day of the last test on Saturday, England’s fast bowler Stuart Broad announced that he would retire from cricket after the conclusion of the Ashes series against Australia.
Broad, who is 37 years old, has taken 602 wickets in 167 tests for England, making him the country’s second-best wicket-taker all-time behind only his long-time teammate James Anderson, who has 690.
“Tomorrow, or more accurately Monday, will be my final game of cricket,” Broad said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and the England badge as much as I have, and I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have,” he said. “I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have.”
After the bowler confirmed that the final Ashes Test at The Oval would be his last, tributes and good wishes began to pour in for Broad, who will retire with the fifth most wickets in the history of the test match. It did not take long for the tributes and well wishes to start flowing for Broad.
“He’s an undeniably great cricketer for England,” said former England captain Michael Atherton, “167 games, 602 wickets, and that performance of 8-15 at Trent Bridge against Australia (in 2015) was the defining performance of his career.” “He’s an undeniably great cricketer for England,” added former Australia captain Andrew Flintoff, “167 games, 602 wickets.”
“He’s got more Ashes wickets than anyone else in an England shirt, he himself says the Ashes brought the best out of him, and I think that’s why he’s made the decision to go here,” he continued. “He’s got more Ashes wickets than anyone else in an England shirt.”
On Saturday, Australia great Glenn McGrath, who was a boyhood favourite of Broad’s, claimed that his fellow seamer’s ability to lift his game when it was most required made him a “true champion.” Broad was the recipient of this praise.
“He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure, and that is the sign of a true champion,” McGrath said to the BBC when Broad exceeded his total of 563 Test wickets. Broad surpassed McGrath’s total of 563 Test wickets last year. He has been of extraordinary service to England for a very, very long period.
“A great cricketer has earned the right to finish his career on top…. I have a feeling that the throng that will be present here over the next several days will want to give him a proper farewell. He embodies the very definition of perfection. “Fitness, hunger, skill, and cleverness,” was the advice given by the former captain of England, Nasser Hussain.
Alastair Cook, a former captain of England and current teammate, was quoted as saying, “I’m a touch emotional and a bit startled…. Stuart Broad is the guy who, in addition to Ben Stokes, comes through for his team when the pressure is on. And to think how a player may be feeling at that moment.”
“There is no denying the fact that Stuart Broad is one of England’s all-time greats. It is natural that he should opt to retire from the game at the climax of such a highly fought and entertaining Ashes series,” said Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board. As one of the most intense competitors in the game, he will be much missed.
“What you admire about a guy like that is that he charges in no matter what the conditions are, and he fights all day,” said the off-spinner for Australia, Todd Murphy. “I think that’s all you can ask from a cricketer, and his record is unbelievable.” His career has been incredible to say the least.