Ashes rocked by shock Stuart Broad announcement as cricket world left stunned

England bowler Stuart Broad has announced he will be bringing his cricket career to an immediate end following the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval, leaving the cricket world stunned. The 37-year-old, who has been in fine form throughout the series, said he had decided this would be his final Test late after day three of the Ashes finale, informing England skipper Ben Stokes at about 8:30 at night.

Cricket legends, upon hearing the news, praised Broad for his 17-year Test career. He'll retire as the fifth-leading wicket taker of all time, choosing to leave after one final crack at the Australian batting line-up in the Ashes.

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Broad has played in all of the last 25 Ashes Tests, a remarkable record, boasting the most wickets for England in the series and finishing behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in the overall Ashes rankings. The likes of Alastair Cook and Ricky Ponting praised the veteran's longevity and competitive fire after the news broke.

Included in Broad's 151 Ashes wickets are 17 dismissals of David Warner, with his record over the Australian opener the equal-third best in Test history. Broad also dismissed former captains Steve Smith and Michael Clarke 11 times, and is arguably the biggest reason Australia have not won a series in England since 2001.

"There is something in my family history with Ashes cricket," Broad said. "I grew up besotted by it.

"My influential years as a as a kid playing cricket, we weren't winning many Ashes Tests and I think that grew my hunger and desire. Ultimately, I think the competitiveness of what Australia bring to cricket brings out the best in me, I love that eye-to-eye battle.

"I love the energy the crowd brings. I know my emotions have to be sky-high for me to be a good bowler.

"And my competitive spirit has to be sky high for me to be a good bowler. I can promise you every time I have run in against Australia they have been there."

Broad will stride out for a final turn with the bat alongside long-time fast bowling companion Jimmy Anderson when play resumes on day four. England dominated day three with the bat, compiling a 377-run lead to set the visitors a monumental task for an outright series victory.

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Broad made his Test debut for England back in 2006, and immediately set about building an imposing record, particularly in the Ashes. His career best figures came with a match-winning turn of 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015, being a part of four successful Ashes campaigns for England and also helping them to victory in the 2010 T20 World Cup.

He didn't take long to make his mark in the Ashes, in 2009 taking 6-91 at Headingley in the fourth Test and then 5-37 at The Oval to win the series for England.

"That was when I felt like I belonged on the international stage," Broad said. "The first time I'd really bowled a spell that changed a game and got important wickets."

Cook said there Broad was a player 'fuelled by big moments', and suspected England's upcoming Test schedule against the likes of India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, the former an away series, had likely motivated him to call time now. He said he had been left taken aback by Broad's sudden announcement.

“I’m a bit emotional and a bit surprised,” Cook told BBC Test Match Special. “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.”

Cook's sentiments were echoed by Ponting, who praised Broad for the undeniable competitive fire that had impressed and angered many Australian fans in equal measure. Ponting labelled him the 'ultimate Ashes warrior'.

“I am a believer in judging players on longevity and maintaining such high standards at the absolute highest level. He has played 25 consecutive Ashes Tests at home, which is unbelievable in itself,” Ponting said.

“We talk about Ben Stokes being the ultimate warrior but Broad is the ultimate Ashes warrior. All of his best cricket has been played in Ashes series.

“People’s names and reputations are forged in what they are able to achieve in Ashes series and he can be mightily proud of what he has achieved. He will be remembered for how good he was in his last series. It is about the perfect time to go.”

With AAP

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