Stuart Broad reacts to joining elite club after taking 600th Test wicket

Three years after taking his 500th Test scalp at the same ground, Broad joined a hall of fame that includes only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, team-mate James Anderson and Anil Kumble.

Trailing the series 2-1, England must win this match to keep the series alive and set up an Oval decider, and two-wicket Broad played his part as they had the better of a fluctuating day one as the tourists reached 299 for eight.

Chris Woakes was excellent, taking four for 52, but there was no disguising the magnitude of Broad’s achievement. The 37-year-old had already accounted for in-form opener Usman Khawaja early on and reached the 600 mark by bouncing out Travis Head after tea.

‘It’s a very special feeling,’ Broad told Sky Sports at stumps.

‘When I went past Glenn McGrath [563 wickets], my hero growing up, that was really cool. I suppose it’s a thing of longevity and I am addicted to Test cricket.

‘I like the grit and competitive nature of it. It’s great to be on that list with some of the greats of the game.

‘I remember getting my cap from Ian Botham in Colombo and my mindset was never playing Test cricket was the achievement, but having an impact on it. I’ve played in some great teams along the way.’

He added to the BBC: ‘Never in my dreams did I think that (600 wickets) would be a thing. Some players feel they have achieved what they wanted to after getting a Test cap and I’ve been fortunate enough to create memories.

‘Never did I think I would be up there with the greats of the game.’

Of the match itself, Broad said: ‘We want to win the game. We’ll be doing everything in our power to do that.’

MORE : England now know how to deliver grand finale this Ashes summer deserves

MORE : Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey would repeat controversial Jonny Bairstow stumping in the Ashes

For more stories like this, check our sport page.