England pacer Stuart Broad has announced a shock retirement from Test cricket in the middle of the fifth Ashes Test against Australia. Broad, who has 602 wickets to his name in the longest format of the game will bowl for the final time in international cricket when England come out to win the final Test at the Oval in the hope to draw the series 2-2. Broad, who is only the second pacer after James Anderson to take 600-plus wickets in Test matches, will bring an end to his 17-year illustrious career at the highest level.
Broad will end his career as the fifth most successful bowler in Test cricket after playing the second most number of matches in whites as a pace bowler, only after Anderson. Broad, who started his career in 2006, played 344 matches for England and has taken 845 wickets so far. With just one innings to go, Broad will hope to give his all to take his side to a win and reach the 850 mark.
Most wickets in Test cricket
800 - Muttiah Muralitharan
708 - Shane Warne
690 - James Anderson
619 - Anil Kumble
602 - Stuart Broad
Speaking to Sky Sports after the end of Day 3 of the fifth Test, Broad admitted that the Ashes is the pinnacle of Test cricket and wanted to go out playing in the series. "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. It's been such a wonderful series to be a part of, and I've always wanted to finish at the top. And this series just feels like it's been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I've been a part of," he said.
Broad said that he went to skipper Ben Stokes' room after Day 2 of the ongoing Test and told him about his decision while informing the same to his teammate on Saturday morning. The 37-year-old admitted that there were a few nerves and did give his decision a few thoughts if he was right or not but after discussion with Stokes, he mentioned that he got the affirmation that he was taking the right call.
Broad is currently unbeaten on 2 with England 377 runs ahead and will hope to add a few more to take the lead to 400 runs to have a psychological advantage over the Aussies.
