England's legendary bowler Stuart Broad on Saturday announced that he will be retiring from cricket after this summer's Ashes. The 37 years old, is one of the most successful English speedsters ever and recently became only the fifth bowler to pick up 600 Test wickets. He is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ashes.
“Tomorrow will be my last game of cricket. 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 it on top. This series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I’ve been a part of,” Broad said to Sky Cricket.
“[I decided] at about 8.30 last night. I’ve been thinking about it for the last few weeks but England v Australia has always been the pinnacle for me. I’ve loved the battles with Australia I’ve had personally and as a team.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also issued a statement where they thanked the legendary pacer for his contribution to English Cricket.
“The England & 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,” the ECB wrote in a statement, thanking Broad.
The English spearhead is only the third bowler to pick up 150 or more wickets in the Ashes after Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Broad has played 167 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 56 T20Is in his career so far and has taken 845 wickets.
The England pacer has also been a useful batter as he collected 3656 runs at an average of 18 with one hundred and 13 fifties to his name. His top knock of 169 runs chipped in against Pakistan back in August 2010 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. It was on August 28, 2006, when Broad made his international debut in an ODI game against Pakistan in Bristol under the leadership of Michael Vaughan.