Renowned England pacer Stuart Broad disclosed that fellow pacer James Anderson was left in belief after he decided to call time on his illustrious international career. On Saturday, July 29, Broad, at the age of 37, made the decision to hang up his boots from Test cricket, announcing the news during the ongoing fifth and final Ashes Test at the Kennington Oval in London on Sunday, July 30.
After the third day of the match, the Nottingham-born Broad expressed his enduring love for the game and his desire to conclude his career on a high note. The pair of Broad and Anderson holds the record as the most successful duo in Test cricket history. In February, they reached the milestone of 1000 wickets in Tests as a pair, second only to the legendary duo of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.
In conversation with the BBC Test Match Special, Broad revealed Anderson's initial reaction to his retirement news, quoting Anderson as having said, "Are you joking?" followed by a heartfelt embrace. "The conversation was difficult," Broad added.
"As I broke the news to Jimmy, I felt quite emotional. However, we have an important match to win here. We can indulge in reminiscing once we accomplish our task," he mentioned.
The famed bowling pair will take the crease on the fourth day of the fifth Test unless England declare their innings early. They will then face the challenge of restricting Australia in their run chase.
Broad recently achieved the remarkable feat of 600 or more wickets in Test cricket, becoming the second fast bowler after Anderson to do so. In the current game, he also joined the exclusive club of bowlers to take 150 Ashes wickets, a feat previously achieved by only Warne and McGrath.
Broad and Anderson have been integral parts of the Test cricket team together since 2008. With his retirement, Broad draws the curtain on a resplendent 17-year-long journey with the England national cricket team.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Stuart Broad, a unique cricketer with a remarkable legacy: Tributes pour in from Rahul Dravid
