England’s renowned bowler, James Anderson, has openly acknowledged that Stuart Broad’s retirement will leave a significant void in the England team after his farewell during the Ashes. The 37-year-old Broad announced his retirement after the third day of the fifth Test match against Australia at The Oval.
In his final Test match, Stuart Broad concluded his illustrious career on a high note, achieving a remarkable feat by becoming the first player in history to hit a six on the last ball and take a wicket on the final ball in Test cricket. It was a fittingly exuberant end to an outstanding career.
In a perfect finale, Broad secured the wickets of Todd Murphy and Alex Carey, leading England to a thrilling 49-run victory that leveled the enthralling Ashes series at 2-2. Additionally, Broad remained unbeaten at 8 runs and smashed a final six before the England cricket team was bowled out for 395 runs on the fourth day of the game at The Oval on Sunday. This was his 55th six for England, positioning him fifth on the all-time list of English six-hitters in Test matches.
Truly, with this extraordinary achievement, Stuart Broad has etched his name in cricketing history as the first player to hit a six on the last ball and take a wicket on the final ball in Test cricket.
Meanwhile, James Anderson, who has been Broad’s new ball partner for many years in the England team, expressed how Broad’s retirement will create a massive void in the England team. In his column for Daily Telegraph, Anderson wrote:
“On a professional level, Stuart leaves a big hole for me. We did not realise it at the time but when we were young, we were in direct competition, so raised our standards to compete.”
“When we started playing together we complemented each other’s game, how we were trying to take wickets, and what we could do to help that.”
“As the years have gone on, we have bought into our respective games. I have been his coach and he has been my coach.”
“Whether in practice or in a game, having him stood at mid-off watching my action and saying, ‘Maybe you are running in too quick,’ or ‘Have you tried doing this or that?’ Was a huge help and that is something I will definitely miss.”
‘It was the perfect way to go out,‘ Anderson said of Broad’s perfectly scripted final few deliveries.
‘It was nice that we did not go out at the same time together as well. We have always been put in a bracket as a partnership but he is in his own right one of the best bowlers England have ever produced, so he deserved his own send-off.’
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