England's legendary pacer Stuart Broad on Saturday declared that he will be retiring from cricket after this summer's Ashes. Australian cricket team paid tribute to the legendary speedster by giving him a guard of honor the moment he stepped out on the field for his final Test cricket appearance. The Kangaroos came up with this heartwarming gesture during the 5th Ashes Test at the Oval.
In his illustrious career so far, Broad has broken many records as he is the second-highest wicket-taker for the English side in the Test format by picking up over 600 wickets. The 37-year-old reached this feat during the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, when he took the wicket of Travis Head on the first day of the match.
After Mark Wood’s wicket, Broad batted alongside his colleague James Anderson, showing his resilience against the Australian pacers. He even smashed a six against Mitchell Starc's short-pitched delivery over square leg. In the next over, off-spinner Todd Murphy cleaned up James Anderson, bringing an end to England's innings.
On Saturday, Broad recollected his cricket journey on Sky Sports, “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.”
“[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. I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in the Ashes,” he added.