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'Difficult Decision To Walk Away...,' Emotional Stuart Broad Reflects On His Retirement

image-lkr7imzzStuart Broad in his last Test (AP Photos)

Veteran England pacer Stuart Broad expressed his overwhelming delight as he bid farewell to cricket with "pure joy and happiness."

The fifth Test of the Ashes series saw Broad's final act, claiming the last two wickets in a thrilling session that led England to a 49-run victory over Australia at The Kia Oval. The result also meant the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

The 37-year-old Broad had previously declared this Test match as his last in professional cricket, making it a poignant moment for him to secure the final Australian wicket. His impressive figures of 2-62 contributed significantly to England's success, as they managed to take seven wickets during the exhilarating final session of the Ashes summer.

Broad's crucial breakthroughs included the dismissal of Todd Murphy just a few overs before he came round the wicket to Alex Carey. The delivery induced an outside edge, promptly caught by England's keeper Jonny Bairstow, igniting thunderous cheers from the jubilant crowd at The Oval.

Reflecting on his decision to retire from the game, Broad spoke fondly of his last ball being an Ashes wicket. His illustrious Test career culminated with a remarkable tally of 604 wickets, a testament to his exceptional skills and commitment to the game.

“When you decide to move on from the game, you sort of wonder what your last ball will be. It’s pretty cool for it to be an Ashes wicket,”  Stuart Broad, who ends with 604 Test wickets after a 15-year Test career, said the fifth Ashes Test.


"It is a difficult decision to walk away from the game I love but I wanted my last ball to be in an environment that is so special and playing sport I still love - for my lasting memory to be pure joy and happiness. That is how I feel now,"  added Broad.

Leaving behind the game he loves was indeed a challenging decision, but Broad cherished the opportunity to conclude his cricketing journey in a special environment, playing a sport he still deeply adores. For him, the lasting memory of his final moments on the field is one of unadulterated joy and contentment, signifying a fulfilling end to a glorious career.