Stuart Broad, the fifth-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test history, announced a shock retirement midway through the fifth Ashes Test at the Kia Oval, taking the cricketing world by surprise.

Broad reached the landmark of 600 Test wickets last week, joining long-time bowling partner James Anderson as only the second seamer to achieve the feat. He’s also England’s leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Ashes, having taken 20 wickets at 28.15 at the time of the announcement.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of the third day’s play, Broad revealed he had made up his mind at 8.30pm the previous evening, making Ben Stokes aware of his decision then, and his England teammates the following morning.

A four-time Ashes winner, Broad told Sky that the ongoing Test will be his “last game of cricket” and that he wanted to “retire on a high”.

There were plenty of reactions on social media from the cricketing community.

Cheers @StuartBroad8 .. An absolute superstar 👍

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 29, 2023

No one quite like Stuart Broad. What a cricketer, what a character.

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) July 29, 2023

 

You just choked me up @StuartBroad8 Can remember when you were just a foot long, well done young fellow, the whole country are proud of you. Have a great couple of days to finish, you deserve it. Best wishes, JR. #Ashes #Ashes2023 #EnglandCricket

— Jack Russell MBE (@jackrussellart) July 29, 2023

I feel sadder than I would’ve expected. Apart from being a brilliant cricketer, Stuart Broad is one of the game’s great entertainers, from jazz-handed celebrappeals to bail swapping to being an elite winder upperer. Plus gives the best pressers & interviews. He’ll be missed.

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) July 29, 2023

Thank you, Stuart, for everything ❤️#OhMyBroad pic.twitter.com/Rs8aqLYGiY

— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) July 29, 2023

And you shouldn’t! Amazing career 👏👏👏 https://t.co/qDh6JfqWqA

— Ian Ward (@WardyShorts) July 29, 2023

No England player has taken more Ashes wickets than Stuart Broad. No one else has been named player of the match in three victories that have secured series wins against Australia. Fitting that he ends his Test career against Australia

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) July 29, 2023

Stuart Broad guaranteed an extraordinary ovation at The Oval tomorrow, starting when he walks out to bat. Squaring this series would be a fitting way for a legend of Ashes cricket to bow out

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) July 29, 2023

Congratulations Stuart on a sparkling career, enjoy! 👍🏻

— Phil Tufnell (@philtufnell) July 29, 2023

One of the game’s contemporary greats. #StuartBroad. I don’t think we have looked at him that way enough. A commentary career is ready for him! Well played @StuartBroad8

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 29, 2023

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