One of England’s biggest match winners, Stuart Broad, announced on Saturday that he is hanging his boats after Day 3 of the last Ashes 2023 Test. Broad, who is still at the peak of his powers, decided to retire on his terms. The pacer, who has been England’s leading wicket-taker this series, has decided to end his career at The Oval after the 5th Ashes Test. Broad announced his retirement after the end of play, much to everyone’s surprise, and that too before friend and senior James Anderson.
But Broad, 37, has never been shy of going his way in a 167-match career that has yielded 602 Test wickets so far—the fifth-highest tally by any bowler. Longstanding England new-ball colleague James Anderson (690) is the only paceman higher than him on the all-time list.
Australia great Glenn McGrath, a childhood hero of Broad’s, said Saturday that his fellow seamer’s ability to raise his game when most needed made him a “true champion”.
“He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion,” McGrath, whose tally of 563 Test wickets was surpassed by Broad last year, told the BBC. “He has been incredible for England for a long, long time.”
A four-time Ashes winner, Broad has been a fierce competitor throughout his career. He became just the fifth man to take 600 Test wickets during last week’s rain-marred draw in Manchester.
Also Read: Twitter erupts as Stuart Broad announces retirement after fifth Ashes Test
“I am addicted to Test cricket,” he said afterwards. “I like the grit and competitive nature of it. It’s great to be on that list with some of the greats of the game.”
Broad has been a particular thorn in the side of David Warner, dismissing the Australian opener 17 times.
Although not a bowler of express pace, Broad’s ability to generate bounce and late movement from a 6-foot, 5-inch frame has repeatedly troubled the best players of his generation.
But he said he hoped cricket lovers would remember him for his will to win as much as his talent.
“I would say every day I’ve pulled on a Nottinghamshire shirt or an England shirt, I’ve given my heart and soul,” he said. “I can’t think there’ll be too many cricket fans out there who would think I’ve slacked off for a moment.”
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