In a surprising turn of events during the ongoing 5th Ashes Test at the Oval, English cricket fans were left in shock as Stuart Broad announced his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran fast bowler, known for his legendary career, revealed that he would be hanging up his boots after the conclusion of this match. Broad’s retirement came as a significant moment for cricket, as he is the second pacer and fourth bowler overall to achieve the remarkable feat of crossing 600 wickets in Test cricket.
He will be remembered as the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history, just behind his fellow teammate, James Anderson. The emotional announcement received a heartwarming response from fans, who congratulated Broad after the third day’s play. As he walked back to the dressing room, Steve Smith of Australia paid his respects with a handshake, capturing a touching moment on video, later shared by the Barmy Army.
Steve Smith gives Broady some massive respect 🥺 pic.twitter.com/sn9VchiSWf
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2023
On the penultimate day of the final Test, Stuart Broad had his last outing with the bat for England in Test cricket. In a touching tribute, the Australian team formed a guard of honor near the boundary line to bid farewell to the exceptional fast bowler.
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Stuart Broad made his final mark on the game by smashing a six off Mitchell Starc, marking his last runs in the longest format of cricket for England.
𝗜𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RugbVXAfig
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2023
For the final time with the bat…@StuartBroad8 and @Jimmy9 head out to the middle together 🤩
A special moment 🥰#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/6sL5K7vuQL
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2023
Broad’s international career began on August 28, 2006, when he made his T20I debut against Pakistan. Although he had a rough start, including being hit for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh during the 2007 T20 World Cup, he soon established himself as a key figure in England’s bowling attack.
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Meanwhile, in the ongoing Test, Australia needs 249 more runs to secure a 3-1 series victory and their first Ashes campaign triumph in England since 2001. The duo of David Warner and Usman Khawaja gave the tourists a strong start with unbeaten fifties, taking Australia to 135-0 on a rain-shortened Sunday. Despite the weather interruptions, Stuart Broad, in his farewell Test, was still waiting for his last wicket to cap off his illustrious career.
