England’s Stuart Broad became just the fifth bowler and second pacer to pick up 600 or more Test wickets on Wednesday (July 19). The English seamer reached the milestone during the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Broad first trapped Usman Khawaja on the final ball of the fifth over on Day 1 and then dismissed well-set Travis Head (48). The dismissal of Head not just marked Broad’s 600th Test wicket, but it also made him surpass Sir Ian Botham in terms of English bowler with the most wickets against arch-rivals Australia. Botham has trapped 148 Aussie batters in his career, while Broad has sent back 149* Australian players to the pavilion.
It is worth mentioning that Broad is now just behind his compatriot James Anderson when it comes to the most successful pacer in Test cricket history. Anderson has struck 689 dismissals in the format so far.
Speaking about the feeling of reaching the milestone of 600 Test wickets to the England Cricket Board (ECB) after the stumps on Day 1 of the Manchester game, Broad reminisced on the special feeling and expressed his happiness over having his family and good friend Anderson around on the merry occasion. He further stated that getting his 600th wicket at the ‘James Anderson End’ was something even more special.
“Yeah, really cool, It has a nice ring to it – getting my 600th [wicket] at the James Anderson End as well, you know, one of my great friends and teammate for a long period of time. Also special that Jimmy was playing in the game where I happened to have my mom and stepdad, aunt and uncle,” said Broad.
“It feels very special to join the club of some pretty special names, like great names, and not many names. So ultimately, there are a lot better bowlers out there than me, but My longevity has got me this far, and I feel very lucky. I have been very lucky to play to play a lot of great teams with some brilliant players. And still really loving it,” he added.
