Stuart Broad retirement: England cricket international who famously took 8-15 announces he'll quit after Ashes

Ben Miller

•
Stuart Broad retirement: England cricket international who famously took 8-15 announces he'll quit after Ashes image

England bowler Stuart Broad has said he will retire following a "wonderful ride" when the 2023 Ashes series with Australia comes to a close at The Oval on July 31.

Broad had taken 20 wickets in the current Ashes series when he made the announcement on Saturday, making him the most successful of his country's bowlers as they chase a victory that will thwart Australia's pursuit of a first win in the series overseas since 2001.

The Nottinghamshire star only trails countryman James Anderson as a Test paceman, taking 602 wickets across 167 Tests to justify his status among the game's greats.

Here's why Broad is retiring and a look at some of his achievements, as the England icon prepares to go out at the top of the game.

MORE: Follow the latest action from the final Ashes Test here

Stuart Broad cricket retirement: What did he say?

Broad revealed that he had told England captain Ben Stokes of his decision on Friday night, allowing the England captain to inform the dressing room ahead of Saturday's play.

"To be honest, it felt the right time," Broad told Sky Sports. "I have thought a lot about it and even up until 8 o'clock last night I was... I wasn't 50/50, but I was a little bit unsure.

"But once I went to Stokesy's room and told him, I felt really happy. I feel really content with everything I have achieved in the game.

"Ultimately, the decision came down to [the fact that] I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket, and my last memories being a really enjoyable changing room."

Broad emerged to bat alongside his long-time ally Anderson at the start of day four and was given a guard of honour by the Australia players. 

The man of the hour finished on eight not out, smashing the final ball faced in his Test career for six off Mitchell Starc.

Broad claimed a hat-trick in a spell of 5-5 in little more than five overs against India in 2011, and 5-1 in 31 deliveries against South Africa in 2016. 

But it is his memorable 8-15 in the Ashes series at Trent Bridge in 2015 for which he will likely be best remembered.

Stuart Broad Ashes wickets record: The 8-15 hero

A debutant against Sri Lanka in 2007, Broad is perhaps most celebrated for that magnificent haul against Australia in 2015 when he took 8-15 at Trent Bridge.

He enjoyed another career highlight when he became only the second pace bowler after Anderson to take 600 wickets by registering another of Australia's in the 2023 Fourth Test.

"England v Australia has always been the pinnacle for me," Broad added. "I've loved the battles I've had with Australia.

I've got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.

- Stuart Broad on his decision to retire from cricket

"I'm loving cricket as much as I ever have. It's been such a wonderful series to be a part of and I've always wanted to finish it at the top. This series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I've been a part of."

MORE: Bet on the latest cricket action (selected territories)

Stuart Broad net worth

As one of the world's top cricketers, Broad has had no shortage of endorsements. An enthusiastic figurehead for adidas, he has also signed deals with companies such as sports nutrition experts Maximuscle.

Broad's only foray into the lucrative franchise cricket world came when he joined the Hobart Hurricanes in 2016/17, and he also runs a pub chain alongside fellow cricketer Harry Gurney – somewhat aptly named the Cat & Wickets.

Estimations of his net worth vary greatly, from around £2 million ($3.8m AUD) to tens of millions. While the exact figures may not be as clear as his cricketing stats, there's no doubt that he has been handsomely rewarded for his exceptional abilities.

Stuart Broad and Mollie King: Who is Stuart Broad's partner?

There's been a little extra stardust in Broad's life since he became engaged to Mollie King, a radio presenter and singer with UK chart-topping pop band The Saturdays, in 2021.

The couple have long been engaged, and King gave birth to their first child, a daughter, in November 2022.

"I love you as much as you love golf – and we both know that’s a lot," King told Broad in a public Instagram post in 2023.

"Seeing you become such a doting, caring, wonderful dad to Annabella has been so special. Thank you for being my best friend and by my side throughout everything this year."

How old is Stuart Broad?

Broad's longevity in the game has seen him establish himself as one of the greatest bowlers of the modern era, but he has accepted that he cannot go on forever.

Broad has just turned 37, having celebrated his birthday on June 24th.

Ben Miller

Ben Miller Photo

Ben Miller has been writing about sport for 25 years, following all levels of football as well as boxing, MMA, athletics and tennis. He’s seen five promotions, three relegations, one World Cup winner and home games in at least three different stadiums as a result of his lifelong devotion to Brighton & Hove Albion. His main aim each week is to cover at least one game or event that does not require a last-minute rewrite.