England cricketer Stuart Broad has announced his retirement from cricket after this summer’s Ashes.
He revealed his emotional decision to step away from the sport at the end of day three of the fifth test match at The Kia Oval in London today (July 29).
The sports star got engaged to The Saturdays singer Mollie King on New Year’s Day in 2021, and together they welcomed their first child, Annabella, in November 2022.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 29, 2023 “I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have, it’s been a wonderful series to be a part of and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top.
“This series feels like it has been the most wonderful and entertaining to be a part of.”
He added: “I thought a lot about it and even up to last night I wasn’t sure, but once I went to Stokesy’s room and told him, I felt really happy and content with everything I’ve achieved in the game.
“Ultimately, the decision came down to… I know I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and my lasting memory being of a really enjoyable changing room.
“It feels like my changing room and I wanted to walk away playing with a group of players I love to bits.”
Who is Stuart Broad? Stuart Broad is going to retire after the Ashes.#BBCCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/eFr6DCGMp2
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 29, 2023 The 37-year-old from Nottingham has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests in total, making him “the second most successful paceman” in Test history.
His success is followed closely behind fellow teammate James Anderson.
“Last week during the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, he became just the second pace bowler after Anderson to take 600 Test wickets,” explained the BBC.
In the current series, Broad has taken 20 wickets and has admitted he was surprised at being fit to play in all five Tests.
He made his debut against Sri Lanka in December 2007 and has since been one of England’s best performers in the Ashes cricket tournament, taking an impressive 151 Test wickets against Australia.
One of the many great moments that “defined his career” included when he took 8-15 at Trent Bridge against Australia in 2015.