Stuart Broad lauded for 'greatest ever retirement' after Ashes fairytale

31 July 2023 , 17:49

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Broad leaves the pitch for the last time after an incredible career

Stuart Broad retired in sensational style as his last ever ball in professional cricket secured a drawn series for England in the Ashes.

Broad, 37, stunned cricket fans over the weekend when he announced this summer's final Test at The Oval would be his last after an incredible career. Australia, who had already retained the Ashes, went into the final day needing 249 runs while England required all 10 wickets to level the series.

The fast bowler had endured a somewhat frustrating day as England hunted down their opponents but there was to be the most incredible of finales. Todd Murphy was the first to go as his outside edge found the gloves of Jonny Bairstow to spark incredible scenes on the pitch and in the stands at The Oval.

And that was soon followed by the dismissal of Alex Carey as Broad signed off with the match-clinching wicket, his 604th in Tests, before being mobbed by his teammates.

Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain couldn't hide his delight as he talked fans through the famous moment. "Broad gets his fairytale ending! He gets the ending he wants. What a magnificent cricketer. England rises to one of its finest. Unbelievable scenes, who writes his script in Ashes games?"

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Mark Butcher added: "You had to know Broad would take the final two wickets! He performed the bail trick again and it was sensational."

Speaking on BBC's Test Match Special, former England skipper Michael Vaughan stated it was the 'greatest ever retirement' before adding: "If you were going to describe this morning how Broad was going to get a wicket you would have said just that. Fairytales can happen."

Stuart Broad celebrates as England levelled the series

There was also praise for Broad on social media with England legend Ian Botham writing: "Stuart Broad….a magnificent career… a great “Man” and a wonderful person….!! You did it……it was written in the stars."

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker posted: "Brilliant win for @englandcricket and what a finale for the great @stuartbroad8. A wonderful series win….well, pretty much."

Jamie Carragher added: "One of the best Ashes series we have seen. Stuart Broad, what a way to go out. Legend." Piers Morgan also posted a tribute to the departing star, writing: "Legend, I will miss him so much - what a brilliant competitor."

Speaking after the match, Broad was given a standing ovation from both sets of fans, before quipping: "When you make that decision you wonder what your last ball will be so to take a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool."

Liam Prenderville