England fast bowler Stuart Broad to retire after Ashes series, leaving as second-highest test wicket-taker

England fast bowler Stuart Broad will retire from cricket at the end of the Ashes series against Australia, he said after the third day of the final test on Saturday.Broad called time on his 17-year-old career at the end of Day 3 of the final Ashes Test at The Oval.

Stuart Broad, 37, is England's second-highest test wicket-taker with 602 victims in 167 matches, behind only his long-time team mate James Anderson who has 690.

The 37-year-old seamer, the fifth most successful bowler in Test history with 602 wickets, told Sky Sports after stumps on the third day: "Tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday will be my last game of cricket.

"It has been a wonderful ride and a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have."

"I've always wanted to finish at the top, and this series just feels like it's been one of the most enjoyable I've been part of."

Broad revealed he'd come to the decision on Friday evening. "I've been thinking about it for a couple of weeks ... you know, England versus Australia has always been sort of the pinnacle for me.

"I've loved the battles with Australia that have come my way personally, and the team's way. I've got a love affair with Ashes cricket, and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be on Ashes cricket."

Reacting to the decision, England Cricket Board said, ‘Forever remembered for those mesmerising spells’

The 37-year-old Broad told Sky Sports this would be his last test, saying "I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket ... I wanted to walk away playing with a group of players I love to bits.”

Broad, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2007, will go down as one of the great pacers in the sport – he sits at fifth on the all-time list of wicket-takers, and is one of only two fast bowlers to take over 600 wickets, alongside longtime bowling partner Jimmy Anderson.

Stuart Broad, now appearing in the 167th Test of his career, made his debut in December 2007 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

*With agency inputs