England cricket legend Stuart Broad to retire at the end of the Ashes
An emotional Stuart Broad announced he is to retire from all cricket at the end of this final Ashes Test against Australia.
In a shock development at the end of a third day’s play at The Oval that saw Broad and long-time bowling partner James Anderson add an unbroken stand of 10 to extend England’s lead against Australia to 377, the 37-year-old revealed he will end his 18-year professional career at the end of this match to join the Sky Sports commentary team.
It will ensure an emotional farewell over the final two days at The Oval for a player who has so far taken 602 Test wickets at an average of 27.66. It will also surely help England’s chances of powering to a victory that will square the series against Australia at 2-2.
Announcing his decision during a post-match interview on Sky Sports, Broad said: “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket. It has been a wonderful ride and a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have.
“I am loving cricket as much as I ever have. I have always wanted to finish at the top and this series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I have been a part of.
“I decided at 8.30pm last night. I have been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. England vs Australia has always been the pinnacle for me.
“I have loved the battles that have come my way and the team’s way. I have a love affair with Ashes cricket. I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.”
Broad informed captain Ben Stokes on Friday night, adding: “I told Stokesy last night and the changing room this morning. It just felt like the right time.
“I texted Stokesy saying ‘Can I come see you?’ I walked in, shook his hand and said ‘That’s me, thanks for everything you’ve done for me’.
“I didn’t want friends and team-mates to see things that might come out. I prefer just to say it and give it a good crack in the Australia innings.
“I was a little bit [emotional]. I have thought a lot about it. Even up until last night, I was a bit unsure but when I told Stokesy and told him I felt content and happy with everything.
“It’s been awesome. I don’t think I will leave the game with any regrets. I will give it a red-hot go over the next couple of days.
“It is such an addictive environment to be part of. I wanted my lasting memories to be loving the playing side and that is exactly where I am at. Pure happiness.
“One of the reasons that swung my decision is that I’ve played so much cricket with the people in this changing room. It still feels very much like my changing room. I’ve got great friends and great memories within that.
“I wanted to leave the game playing with a group of players I’ve got so much respect for and two guys at the top in Baz [Brendon McCullum] and Stokesy who have made the last 14 months of my career an absolute joy.”
Broad’s retirement will leave a huge hole in England’s bowling attack, with the seamer taking 20 wickets at 28.15 so far during this summer’s Ashes.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, who played alongside Broad for 11 years, commented: “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.”
Broad will join the Sky Sports broadcasting team for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and coverage of The Hundred, which was planned before his retirement but may offer some clues to his future plans. He also co-owns a Nottinghamshire pub.
Broad, who became a father for the first time late last year, will be outlasted in England’s team by Anderson, who will turn 41 on Sunday. Anderson this week stated he is determined to carry on playing for England for as long as possible, including in their next series in India early next year, something Broad confirmed.
Broad said he hoped to be remembered for his passion and commitment: “When I was a kid I had sporting idols like Martin Johnson and Stuart Pearce. When I watched them, I loved their passion and their drive. I never thought I could give more for that shirt.
“I would never want anyone to think he’s not putting his heart and soul into it. I know I’m not the most skilful player that’s ever played, I know I need every inch of my competitive spirit and my drive. I don’t think there’d be too many cricket fans who think I’d slacked off for a moment.”
Meanwhile former England fast bowler Steve Harmison said: “Broad has showed again what it means to be playing in the Ashes, showed again what it means to be playing for England, to front up in the biggest battle possible but I’d also want him to do the same from a personal point of view.
“Not on ability, just looking at the roadmap of where Test cricket goes and what’s coming up for England. They both deserve to finish at the Ashes, and not against the West Indies or Sri Lanka, or potentially with an injury because of their age.
“They’ve been so lucky because they’ve worked so hard to stay as fit as possible. I’d love Jimmy to go out this week, and for Stuart as well, go out on a high, instead of limp over the line. I’d hate to see that happen to the two greatest cricketers that we’ve ever had.”
ECB CEO Richard Gould was also effusive in his praise of Broad, saying: “Stuart is quite simply one of England’s all-time greats. One of the game’s fiercest competitors, it is fitting that he should choose to retire from the game at the culmination of such a closely contested and exciting Ashes series.
“England’s greatest Ashes wicket taker has complemented his outstanding achievements with the ball with his passion for team and country. He has produced so many memorable performances on the biggest stage, and his 8-15 at Trent Bridge will forever be one of the great Ashes bowling spells. I very much doubt we will see the likes of Stuart or Jimmy Anderson again.
“To not only represent your country for 17 consecutive years but to be at the top of your game and amongst the world’s best for almost two decades is remarkable.
“He is a true leviathan of the game and we cannot thank him enough for his outstanding service. We wish him and his family all the best for whatever comes next.”
