Stuart Broad ‘filled with joy’ at ending cricket career at top against Australia

England great Stuart Broad will walk away from his cricketing “love affair” at the end of the Ashes, retiring from the sport full of pride and racked by emotion.

Broad announced his surprise decision to head into the sunset after Day 3 of England’s fifth and final Test against rivals Australia, guaranteeing a rousing send off for one of the country’s best-loved athletes.

A sold-out Sunday crowd at the Kia Oval are sure to raise the roof for the 37-year-old, whose outstanding form this summer appeared to pave the way for plenty more to come.

But while his long-time partner James Anderson appears dead set on continuing, Broad has decided to bow out on his own terms at the end of a captivating series against rivals who have defined his career.

Whether or not he gets a dream farewell depends on events over the next 48 hours, but an England lead of 377 means they are well-placed to send him on his way in triumphant fashion.

He and Anderson may still have to bat together one last time after finishing not out overnight, but Broad will soon be strapping his trusty bowling boots back on and hunting Australian wickets in what promises to be a stirring swansong.

Reflecting on the imminent end of his 18-year career, and 17 as an international, he said: “I knew deep down that I wanted to finish playing cricket at the very top. I’ve had a love affair with the Ashes my whole life and the thought of being able to bowl my last ball and face my last ball against Australia fills me with joy.

“It’s certainly emotional. It’s a blur. I still love playing the game, I love being in the changing room and I wanted to have those memories leaving the game. That will definitely make me stay in love with the game of cricket for the rest of my life.

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