Bowling great Stuart Broad to retire from cricket after conclusion of final Ashes test
Stuart Broad describes telling captain Ben Stokes that he would be retiring
Stuart Broad, England’s second-highest Test wicket-taker of all time, has announced he will be retiring from all cricket at the conclusion of the final Ashes Test.
The 37-year-old made the announcement at stumps on day three of the final Test against Australia at the Kia Oval.
“Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket,” Broad told Sky Sports.
“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 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 said he only made his decision to leave the game at "about 8.30 last night".
He has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, making him the second most successful paceman in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson. Broad 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.
"I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. England versus Australia has always been the pinnacle for me," he said.
“I’ve loved the battles with Australia that have come my way personally and the team’s way. I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I wanted my last game to be Ashes cricket.
“I told Stokesy (Ben Stokes) last night and the changing room this morning and it just felt the right time. I feel content with everything I’ve achieved in the game."
He also said he relishes the thought of spending more time with fiancee Mollie King and eight-month old daughter Annabella.
“I’ve been home maybe seven or eight nights this summer. I feel like I haven’t seen Mollie and Annabella as much as I would like to at such a young age. I love everything about being a Dad and will throw all my time and effort into being a great Dad.
“Did that come into my decision? Potentially. There’s certainly something that fills my heart with joy that I’ll be able to spend a bit more time at home.”
“It is a big decision but you come to a time when you know,” former Australia bowler McGrath told BBC’s Test Match Special following Broad's announcement. “He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion. “Going out on your own terms is special as well. He has been incredible for England for a long, long time.” Sir Alastair Cook also paid tribute to Broad, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in December 2007.
He told BBC’s Test Match Special. “I’m a bit emotional and a bit surprised. But if you look at the schedule for Stuart Broad, you have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer, no offence to those sides but Broad is about big moments.
“So for him to get through to another big moment is probably another two-and-a-half years.
“The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad and what a feeling that must be for a player.”
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.”
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