Stuart Broad reveals James Anderson’s reaction to his impending retirement after announcing England’s fifth Ashes Test will be his final game

Stuart Broad has revealed how James Anderson reacted when he told him about his impending retirement from all cricket.

Broad announced on Friday that the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval would be his final game, after informing England captain Ben Stokes and his long-time bowling partner Anderson the previous evening.

The 37-year-old leaves the game as one of just two fast bowlers in history to take 600 Test wickets, and is the only Englishman to take 150 Ashes wickets.

He and Anderson have taken 1037 wickets in the 138 Tests they have played together, a record for bowling partnerships, and have won four Ashes series together.

Broad has now disclosed his long-time bowling partner’s reaction to his retirement, as he told Test Match Special: ‘”He just said ‘are you joking?”. We then had a hug. I went to see [Ben] Stokes and Baz [Brendon McCullum] last night and said thanks for all you have done for me.

Stuart Broad has announced he will be retiring from cricket after the final Ashes Test

He has now revealed being asked if he was joking by James Anderson after telling him the news

‘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.’

Broad still has an opportunity to influence the final Test match of his career with bat and ball, as he will resume on Sunday morning alongside Anderson with England nine wickets down 377 runs ahead.

They will be hoping for some quick runs in the morning before looking to bowl at Australia, who already face a daunting fourth innings chase.

An England win would see them level the series and ensure Australia do now win an Ashes series away from home for the first time since 2001, although they have already retained the urn after coming into the final Test with a 2-1 lead.

If the tourists hold out for a draw, there may be some rain around on Sunday, or pull off an unlikely win, Pat Cummins will be the first victorious Australian captain in England since Steve Waugh. 

Test cricket’s most successful bowling partnership will finish England’s innings on Sunday morning