The thrilling fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test between England and Australia ended on an emotional note as England seamer Stuart Broad bid adieu to Test cricket. The hosts clinched a 49-run win, leveling the 5-match series 2-2.
After Day 3, Broad had announced that the final Test at The Oval would mark his last for England. Ahead of the start of the fourth day, he received a heartwarming Guard of Honour from Australian players, honoring his illustrious career.
Tributes pour in from the cricket fraternity
The cricket fraternity showered praises on Broad as he closed his remarkable 167-Test career with 604 wickets. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar tweeted a heartfelt message, applauding Broad’s relentless spells and unwavering dedication.
“A phenomenal career draws to a close. @StuartBroad8 , your relentless spells and unwavering dedication will forever be etched in cricket’s annals. A fitting end to your career. Enjoy the next innings!,” tweeted Tendulkar.
A phenomenal career draws to a close.@StuartBroad8, your relentless spells and unwavering dedication will forever be etched in cricket's annals. A fitting end to your career. Enjoy the next innings! pic.twitter.com/CqYcjUIaOb
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 31, 2023
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who once smashed Broad for 6 sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup, hailed him as one of the finest bowlers and a true legend of the game.
“Take a bow @StuartBroad8 Congratulations on an incredible Test career. one of the finest and most feared red ball bowlers, and a real legend! Your journey and determination have been super inspiring. Good luck for the next leg Broady!” wrote Yuvraj.
Take a bow @StuartBroad8 🙇🏻♂️
Congratulations on an incredible Test career 🏏👏 one of the finest and most feared red ball bowlers, and a real legend!
Your journey and determination have been super inspiring. Good luck for the next leg Broady! 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/d5GRlAVFa3
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 30, 2023
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan also wished Broad well for his future endeavors.
“Congratulations on a remarkable career @StuartBroad8 ! Your contribution to the game has been immense. Wishing you the best for everything that lies ahead,” tweeted Bumrah.
Congratulations on a remarkable career @StuartBroad8! Your contribution to the game has been immense. Wishing you the best for everything that lies ahead 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/GejflqM77E
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 1, 2023
Rashid wrote: “The end of an era! You’ve been an inspiration with your dedication, good luck on your next innings @StuartBroad8.”
The end of an era! 👏
You’ve been an inspiration with your dedication, good luck on your next innings @StuartBroad8 pic.twitter.com/jHVLggwaS1
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) July 31, 2023
Also READ: Stuart Broad’s mom backs her son’s decision of retirement after the Ashes 2023 series
Here is how others reacted:
So many emotions – thanks for everything @StuartBroad8 loved the way you’ve played cricket ❤️. As much you’ve taken shedloads of wickets it’s the way you made us feel. https://t.co/9HiPWzUF5a
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) July 29, 2023
— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) July 30, 2023
Congratulations to @StuartBroad8 on a magnificent career. A great opponent who always made it difficult for the @CricketAus Australian cricket team . @TheBarmyArmy 👏👏👏👍 https://t.co/9iuwl1tnui
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) July 29, 2023
These three gave this series the finale it deserved. Woakes showed why he is as lethal as any in English conditions. Moeen, despite his injury, made a huge impact 🙌🏽 And of course, fairytale ending for @StuartBroad8, congratulations on a great career 👏🏽👏🏽 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/BCBTWU27TF
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 31, 2023
Love a happy ending. @StuartBroad8 you are a great man! Thoroughly deserved, perfectly scripted finish to a wonderful career. 🥂🍾
— David Gower (@David215Gower) July 31, 2023
– Congratulations on a brilliant career @StuartBroad8 👏🏼 The courage and the dedication you have shown is inspiring for all the aspiring athletes out there.
Best wishes for what follows mate! pic.twitter.com/khss55Rut3
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 31, 2023
Wow, just a massive congratulations to Stuart Broad!
Bud, wow, what a career! Honestly it was awesome to play against you as well as enjoying watching you play and do your thing.
You should be extremely proud!
Plus, you flew the 8 flag well 😉
See you soon 👊@StuartBroad8— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 30, 2023
Been an absolute pleasure sharing the field with this legend @StuartBroad8 ! Going to miss looking massive next to you in the anthems… let’s finish with a win 🙌🏼🍷🐐 pic.twitter.com/hv7PRcHV4q
— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) July 30, 2023
Goodbyes are never easy, specially when you love the game so much. Wishing @StuartBroad8 a happy retirement and best of luck for his next inning.
Thank you for serving cricket and inspiring many young fast bowlers. Go well buddy!! 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/qZOTniYRYV
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) August 1, 2023
Just wow. What a player and a fitting end. Enjoy putting those feet up. Congratulations @StuartBroad8 https://t.co/yZgyDmmDz2
— Steven Finn (@finnysteve) July 31, 2023
The perfect finish! Congratulations @StuartBroad8 and to everyone involved in a truly captivating ashes series. https://t.co/U3eHdV8GgD
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) July 31, 2023
Well done @StuartBroad8 on a wonderful career and wish u great last day at work👏👏🤟 #Ashes2023 #StuartBroad
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 31, 2023
Congratulations @StuartBroad8 for all the accolades you have achieved during your majestic Test career. Happy retirement. Wish you good luck with the next leg.
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 31, 2023
Many congratulations on a legendary career @StuartBroad8 👏
Wishing you the best for your second innings 🙌— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) July 31, 2023
Congratulations @StuartBroad8 on an amazing career and what you have achieved!!! It was an honour to have shared a lot of it with you!! Absolute legend on and off the field!!! Enjoy the next chapter mate!! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/QpIbuHyVSA
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) July 30, 2023
What an amazing, unbelievably long career. Have a lovely retirement @StuartBroad8 . pic.twitter.com/ofzjndQ3Hx
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 31, 2023
Congratulations on a magnificent career @StuartBroad8 had always enjoyed playing against you..you have proved to be a good bowler in the world of cricket..i always enjoyed watching your bowling..best of luck ahead… pic.twitter.com/OmbZqAKpTD
— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) July 31, 2023
Happy retirement @StuartBroad8
Your journey is inspirations for many, from 6 Sixes in an over to 600+ wickets mark is simply amaizing. All the best.#StuartBroad pic.twitter.com/yzevLVOmf1— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) July 31, 2023
Extraordinary career, phenomenally skilled competitor. Congratulations @StuartBroad8 you have left a significant footprint on the game. #StuartBroad
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 31, 2023
Happy retirement, Broad!
You have truly honoured our game with sheer passion and thriving ability to always go hard at it.
600+ Test Wickets is quite an achievement and Cricket will always remember your services 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/yey7mjdKn1
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 31, 2023
Broad played a pivotal role in England’s series-squaring victory in the final Test, contributing four wickets to secure the win. Talking about his farewell match, Broad expressed his gratitude to the roaring crowd and the joy of contributing to the team’s triumph.
“It was absolutely wonderful. The crowd were unbelievable. It was so loud and we just jumped on the back of that. To contribute to the team with two wickets is very special. When you make that decision you wonder what your last ball will be so to take a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool,” said Broad while talking to Sky Sports.
