Stuart Broad to retire after Ashes as England hero has ‘new job lined up’

England bowler Stuart Broad has confirmed that he will retire from all forms of professional cricket following the end of the current Ashes series. The 37-year-old will reportedly move straight into a commentary role with Sky Sports after putting an end to his stellar 17-year career at the highest level of the game.

Broad confirmed his decision to retire from cricket in an interview with Sky Sports following day three of the fifth Ashes Test, which saw England leading Australia by 377 runs at the close of play. He said: “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket. It’s a been wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the England badge as much as I have and it’s been such a wonderful series to be a part of.

“I’ve always wanted to finish at the top and this series is one of the most wonderful and entertaining I’ve been a part of. [I made the decision] at about 8.30pm last night. I’d been thinking about it for a couple of weeks. England versus Australia has always been the pinnacle for me. I’ve loved the battles with Australia that have come my way and the team’s way and I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket, I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.

“I told Stokesy last night and told the changing room this morning. To be honest it just felt like the right time and I didn’t want friends and team-mates at Nottinghamshire to see stuff that might come out. I preferred to just say it and give it a good crack for Australia’s last innings.

“I’d thought a lot about it and even up until last night I was a little bit unsure, but once I went into Stokesy’s room and told him I’ve just felt really content and happy with everything I’ve achieved in the game. Ultimately I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and I’ve just got so many friends, players and management who I’ve been around so much.

“I’ve played so much cricket with all of them. It feels like my changing room and I wanted to walk away playing with a group of players I love so much.”

Broad has claimed 602 wickets in 167 Tests for England over the years, making him the second most successful pace bowler in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson. He is set to move into commentary by taking up a role with Sky Sports immediately after his retirement, according to Mail+, after deciding to quit playing while still at the top of his game rather than waiting to tour India next year.

The man from Nottingham made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2007 and also took part in 121 one-day internationals and 56 T20 matches for his country. He has been one of England’s best performers in Ashes cricket over the course of his career, taking a record 151 Test wickets against Australia, with his finest moment coming in 2015 when he claimed a magnificent 8-15 at Trent Bridge.

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