Broad announces retirement

Stuart Broad announced his retirement at the end of Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval, with the bowler set to bring the curtains down on a 17-year old international career at the end of the Ashes. Broad currently has 602 wickets in Test cricket and has the opportunity to add to his tally during Australia’s chase, while he can also add to his runs tally of 3656 when England resume their second innings at 389/9. In a career spanning 167 Tests, Broad has so far picked up eight five wicket hauls and one ten wicket haul. He last played ODI cricket in 2016, finishing with 178 wickets while in 56 T20I matches, the last of which came in 2014, Broad picked up 65 wickets. Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of Day 3, Broad said: “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.” Broad, said he had been thinking about retirement for a couple of weeks and made the decision at 8:30 PM on Friday evening. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. 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,” said Broad.