Naseer Hussain and Stuart Broad. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images and Gareth Copley – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Stuart Broad, the 37-year-old veteran pacer of unparalleled class and caliber, announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, July 29. The announcement came after the conclusion of Day 3 of the ongoing fifth Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series at the Kennington Oval in London.
Throughout the ongoing Ashes series, Broad has showcased exceptional performance, securing an impressive tally of 20 wickets, making him second in the list of leading wicket-takers. Hussain applauded the veteran speedster for his outstanding fitness, unwavering hunger for success, remarkable skill, and tactical acumen.
Former cricketer Nasser Hussain expressed his heartfelt sentiments, asserting that a player of Broad’s stature deserves to exit the game on a high note.
“A great cricketer deserves to go out at the top. It’s not just what he deserves. I think the crowd here over the next couple of days would want to give him a send-off,” Hussain candidly remarked during an interview with Sky Sports.
“He is all about putting in performances to win Ashes games. Those spells mean more to him because England has emerged victorious in games and series,” he added.
The cricketing fraternity lavished praise on Broad, acknowledging him as the epitome of a complete cricketer, possessing a rare combination of physical prowess, determination, skill, and shrewdness.
Recently, Stuart Broad etched his name in cricketing history by becoming only the second fast bowler, alongside the legendary James Anderson, to surpass the 600-wicket milestone in Test cricket. Moreover, he joined the elite company of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath as the third bowler to claim 150 wickets in the Ashes.
Presently, Broad’s awe-inspiring record stands at 602 wickets from 167 Tests, boasting an impressive average of 27.66, accompanied by an astounding 20 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls. As England take to the field for the final innings of the ongoing Ashes series, Broad will have the opportunity to add a few more wickets to his illustrious tally.
As Stuart Broad is set to start a new innings of his life, the cricketing world will unite to bid farewell to a true legend of the sport. His remarkable contributions and memorable performances will forever be etched in the annals of cricketing history.