What Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting, and other cricketers had to say about Stuart Broad’s retirement
Stuart Broad announced his decision to retire from all cricket after the conclusion of the fifth men’s Ashes Test at The Oval. Here’s how the cricketing world reacted to it:
“Very few of us are privileged enough to choose how we bow out. He deserves that. As I watched him announce his retirement on Sky Sports, I felt quite emotional. I will genuinely miss watching him play. Only Jimmy [James Anderson] is left now from the team that got to No. 1 in the Test rankings and is the only England side to have won the Ashes in Australia since 1986–87. I remember him telling me how much he was looking forward to us all having a glass of red together when we were all retired. Broady, I’ll have the bottle ready, but first there’s a job to be finished in south London.” Alastair Cook, Broad’s former captain, writes in his Sunday Times column:
“I have nothing but respect for him. I had a good chat with him the other day once he took his 600th Test wicket, and he said he was enjoying it as much, if not more, than he ever has. It’s a big decision, but you come to a time when you know. He loves the big moments, the pressure situations. That’s a true sign of a champion, I think. He’s been incredible for England for a long, long time.” Glenn McGrath, one of two bowlers with more Ashes wickets than Broad, spoke to BBC Test Match Special.
“I doubt we’ll ever see seam bowlers take 600 wickets again.” I doubt the game will allow it. So, Broady, cheers. It’s been a pleasure to play briefly with you and witness your growth as a top-tier performer and person over the last 16 years. You are an inspiration for the next generation. For me, the best compliment is when you inspire a new generation of cricketers.”
In the Daily Telegraph, Michael Vaughan, the captain who granted Broad his first Test cap, wrote:
“He’s a fantastic bowler.” His collaboration with Jimmy Anderson will be remembered forever. Anderson and Broad put up some terrific performances for England over the course of a decade. It takes a unique kind of cricketer to take 600 wickets and play as many Tests as he has. Best wishes to him, and congratulations on a truly remarkable career. I hope he gets to finish it in the greatest way possible.”
Former India captain and current coach Rahul Dravid speaks after the second ODI between the West Indies and India.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching him since he was 18 at the Loughborough Academy.” You could see he was different right away: he wrote down on a piece of paper what he wanted to achieve, how he wanted to be, and what he wanted to do, which was unusual for someone his age. He’s perhaps the best tactician I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. He’s a brilliant athlete.”
Broad’s Nottinghamshire and former England coach, Peter Moores, spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We didn’t know for sure until yesterday [Saturday] morning.” You have talks, of course. Stuart, on the other hand, is a master at making the correct decision, and he’s done it again. Isn’t this the ideal time? That’s ideal for Australia, because he’s an Ashes man.”
Carole Broad, Broad’s mother, speaks to the BBC Test Match Special.
“I believe in rating players based on their longevity and ability to sustain such high standards at the absolute highest level. Imagine how many ice baths he’s had after 167 games as a fast bowler. Stuart Broad is the epitome of an Ashes warrior. All of his best cricket has been played in the Ashes series. People’s names and reputations are built on how well they perform in the Ashes series.”
Ricky Ponting, Australia’s captain during Broad’s first two Ashes series, was interviewed on Sky’s Cricket Podcast.
“It’s been a wild ride and a real pleasure for him to stand at the slip for so long.” The opportunity to finish on his terms, at a venue where he’s had so many spectacular moments and stints that have lit up English cricket, is the most special thing. What better reason could there be than to give England’s greatest player of all time the best send-off possible?”
Joe Root, who is taking part in his 114th Test with Broad, spoke to BBC Test Match Special.
Stay updated on sports news with our website. Get comprehensive coverage of events, performances, and critical incidents. Visit us now!
