Stuart Broad has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests (Picture: Getty)
Sir Alastair Cook says he is ’emotional and surprised’ by Stuart Broad’s decision to retire after the Ashes series.
Broad, who has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, made the announcement at the end of day three of the fifth Test at the Oval.
The 37-year-old, who sits fifth on the list of all-time wicket-takers in Test cricket, said he made the decision on Friday evening.
‘Tomorrow – well Monday – will be my last game of cricket,’ Broad told 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.’
Broad made his England debut in 2007 and has repeatedly defied his age to extend his career, playing in all five of this summer’s Ashes Tests.
As well as becoming just the second pace bowler to take 600 wickets after his long-time opening partner James Anderson, Broad has a record 151 Ashes scalps.
The Nottinghamshire legend has also played 177 one-day games for England and captained the T20 side between 2011 and 2014.
Reacting to the announcement, Broad’s former England team-mate Cook said: ‘I’m a bit emotional and a bit surprised.
‘But if you look at the schedule for Stuart Broad. You have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer.
‘No offence to those sides but Broad is about big moments. So for him to get through to another big moment is probably another two-and-a-half years.
‘The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad. And what a feeling that must be for a player.’
Australia legend Glenn McGrath added: ‘It is a big decision but you come to a time when you know.
‘He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion.
‘Going out on your own terms is special as well. He has been incredible for England for a long, long time.’
Broad is the second-leading wicket-taker of the current Ashes series and will get the chance to go past Mitchell Starc as England look to secure a victory at the Oval to draw the series.
More to follow…
The 37-year-old has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests.