Broad retires & England plunder runs - relive another classic day of Ashes cricket

Stuart Broad speaking to Test Match Special about James Anderson's reaction to his retirement: "He just said 'are you joking?'. We then had a hug. I went to see Stokes and Baz last night and said thanks for all you have done for me.

"It is always hard. When I spoke to Jimmy I got a bit emotional. But ultimately we have a game to win here. We can do the reminiscing afterwards if we get the job done."

While we're on the subject of Stuart Broad, why not test yourselves on naming all of his 600 Test wickets? Take our quiz here.

You can also roll back the years and read Stephan Shemilt's piece from 2020 on Broad, in the words of those who know him best. Read it here.

More from Stuart Broad, speaking to BBC Test Match SpeciaI:

"I never expected to play five Tests against Australia this summer but I did set myself the challenge to be fit and available. I feel very proud I was able to do that.

"My emotions playing Ashes cricket is something that has carried me through. Ashes cricket is the ultimate competitiveness for English cricket and it has brought the best out of me."

8-15 at Trent Bridge his best spell?: It is hard to look past that on my own ground with friends and family there. It was one of my most enjoyable days of cricket.

"But this series has been spectacular and incredible to be a part of. Every session you are on the edge of your seat.

"I wanted to leave playing and loving it with great memories and experiences and the last 14 months have been out of this world for me. Seeing what Baz and Ben have done for the mindset of a team. I'll love cricket forever for that.

"Last March [when he was dropped for the West Indies tour] there were times I thought I would never play for England again and that hurt. So to have another opportunity and to have the 14 months I have had, bringing so much entertainment to the country, it has been a huge pleasure. I have learned so much about leadership and management from those two.

"I have been part of some fantastic teams and it is lovely to go out now having played for one of the best of them."

The next two days (if we get there) are set up beautifully for Broad now.

He loves an occasion and few would bet against him adding to his tally for one last time.

Stuart Broad speaking to BBC Test Match Special: "I have been thinking about it for a couple of weeks.

"About 8:30 last night I made the call. It has been a huge privilege and honour to represent both Nottinghamshire and England for such a long time.

"But something inside of me wanted to finish playing at the top level. And England vs Australia at The Oval in one of the most entertaining, fun Ashes I can remember seems an appropriate time."

Alex: Some sportspeople are great in terms of numbers; the wins, points, goals, wickets, runs they contribute. For other it's about the moments they create. The events that stick with you and make you glow with happiness. Stuart Broad achieved both.

Craig: Has to be ‘that’ morning and his 8-15. Everything that led up to that and what that game meant. Couldn’t have done it at a better time.

Marky: Can totally see Broad walking out tomorrow morning and smashing out a quick half-century after that announcement.

And nothing quite got him fired up like playing Australia.

SMS Message: Absolutely right time to retire, double century tomorrow morning then a fiver on Jimmy's birthday? One of the legends of the game, 600 wickets, bye Stuart, I will miss your crowd wind ups. from Jeremy leaving The Oval

Absolutely right time to retire, double century tomorrow morning then a fiver on Jimmy's birthday? One of the legends of the game, 600 wickets, bye Stuart, I will miss your crowd wind ups.

SMS Message: Anyone offering odds on Warner reversing his retirement decision now that Broad won't be around..? from Ollie in Liss

Anyone offering odds on Warner reversing his retirement decision now that Broad won't be around..?

SMS Message: The rain last week is even more of a tragedy now. Broad’s swansong could have been even more special. from Andrew, Romania

The rain last week is even more of a tragedy now. Broad’s swansong could have been even more special.

More from Stuart Broad on Sky Sports: "A little bit [emotional]. I have thought a lot about it and even up until eight o'clock last night, 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 and ultimately the decision came down to I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and my last memories being a really enjoyable changing room.

"I have so many friends and figures in management that I've been around for so long. I look around and I have played so much cricket with all of them. It feels like my changing room and I wanted to sort of walk away playing with a group of players I love to bits."

"No, Ben didn't [try to change my mind]. He really understood the decision. I hadn't talked a lot about it. I hadn't mentioned it to him beforehand but I wanted to make sure I was clear in my mind. I wasn't really going in for a negotiation really. I was like 'I need to be clear' before I mentioned it to anyone."

And of course, this series also saw Broad's 600th Test wicket.

He currently has 602 wickets in 167 Tests, making him the second most successful paceman in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson.

He has taken 20 wickets in the series so far.

It is a big decision but you come to a time when you know.

He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion.

Going out on your own terms is special as well. He has been incredible for England for a long, long time.

Jack: Does that mean Australia will have to give Stuart Broad a guard of honour in the morning?

Matthew Thorne: Broady retiring? I'm not emotionally ready for this!

Kevin Ticehurst: Broad Vs Warner for the last time tomorrow!

And it wouldn't be Stuart Broad without a bit of mischief, would it?

England bowler Stuart Broad speaking to Sky Sports: "Tomorrow - well Monday - will be my last game of cricket. It's been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and the England badge as much as I have and 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 on top. This series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I've been a part of."

"[I decided] at about 8.30 last night. I've been thinking about it for the last few weeks but England v Australia has always been the pinnacle for me. I've loved the battles with Australia I've had personally and as a team.

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

"I told Stokesy last night and told the changing room this morning and to be honest, it felt the right time. I didn't want friends or teammates at Nottinghamshire to see things that might come out so I prefer to just say it and give it a good crack for the last Australia innings."

The bowler who loves the pressure, loves the big moments, and was almost always at his best against Australia.

It has been a glittering career that has given us so many iconic moments.

The 8-15 at Trent Bridge.

The century at Lord's.

The infamous edge to first slip.

The battle with David Warner.

And this series has treated us to a bit more magic, too. Let's take a quick look at a few of them.

I'm a bit emotional and a bit surprised. But if you look at the schedule for Stuart Broad. You have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer.

No offence to those sides but Broad is about big moments. So for him to get through to another big moment is probably another two-and-a-half years.

The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad. And what a feeling that must be for a player.

Nunya: No more nighthawk. No more of those Broad "spells" either. He will be sadly missed.

Gary James: What a player, thanks for all the magic moments over the years. You will be missed. Hope you get a 5 for tomorrow!

Benjamin Fox: The game is about to lose an absolute legend. Devastated.

That's a surprise. In many ways he is going out on a high. He has had a fantastic series. He has been the pick of England's bowlers.