‘Legendary servant for England cricket’ – Fans pour in wishes as Stuart Broad announces retirement from international cricket

England Test pacer, Stuart Broad has announced his retirement from international cricket after the third day of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test. He made his Test debut in 2007 against Sri Lanka. Since then, he has played 166 games and has 600 Test wickets, only second after his long-time bowling partner, James Anderson. The former England T20I skipper made his debut in England’s first-ever T20I game in 2006.

He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team in 2010. He played his last game in the T20 World Cup 2014. Apart from this, Broad made his ODI debut two days after his T20I debut and played his last in 2016. After this, both, Broad and Anderson have been playing Test cricket only these days. While the latter has denied any retirement, the 27-year-old, Broad has called it a day.

I have thinking about it for a while: Stuart Broad

“It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and the England badge as much as I have,” Broad told Sky Sports at the close of the third day’s play. “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.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, a few weeks,” he added. “England vs Australia has always been the pinnacle for me – I have loved the battles with Australia that have come my way and the team’s way, I have a love affair with Ashes and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.

“I told Stokesy last night and told the changing room this morning and to be honest, it just felt the right time and I didn’t want friends or Nottinghamshire team-mates to see things that might come out, so I prefer to just say it now, and just give it a good crack for the last Australia innings.

“I have thought a lot about it, and even up till 8pm last night, I was 50/50. But when I went up to Stokesy’s room and told him, I have felt really happy, since and content with everything I have achieved.”

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