Ashes 2023: He deserves to go out at the top – Nasser Hussain lauds Stuart Broad after retirement decision

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain showered praise on Stuart Broad after the veteran decided to call time on his glorious International career. Broad, on Saturday, confirmed that the fifth Ashes Test against Australia is his last as he brings the curtains down on a 17-year-old career.

Hussain feels Broad has picked the right time and he deserves to go out at the top. The lanky pacer has been at his absolute best in the ongoing Ashes against Australia as he has scalped 20 wickets in nine innings at an average of 28.15.

In fact, Broad returned with decent figures of 2-49 in the first innings of the fifth Test and will want to end his career on a high in the second dig, which will be his swansong in England’s shirt.

Nasser Hussain wrote for Daily Mail, “Great cricketers deserve to go out at the very top so for that reason Stuart Broad has picked the perfect time to announce retirement. There is no doubt Broad will go down as one of the all-time greats not only of English cricket but in the world game.

Earlier in the series, Broad completed the landmark of 600 Test wickets, becoming only the second fast bowler after James Anderson to reach the milestone.

“He has, after all, in this series become only the second seamer in history to reach the remarkable figure of 600 wickets.”

Broad has enjoyed great success while playing in the Ashes against Australia. The veteran is England’s most successful bowler against Australia, picking up a total of 151 wickets so far against the oldest rivals.

“It is perfect, too, that Broad is going out at the end of an Ashes because the battles against Australia have defined his career. He has been one of the world’s best against all teams in all conditions, but his pinnacle has always been against the old enemy.”

Hussain went on to add that Broad loves the game and hailed him for all the sacrifices, which he has made him a successful cricketer.

“Broad loves the game and has made huge sacrifices away from the spotlight with his dedication, lifestyle and diet to stay at the top for so long.

“It has been classic Broad the showman throughout this Ashes even right at the end when he swapped Marnus Labuschagne’s bails over and then immediately saw Mark Wood take his wicket.”

England is currently ahead by 377 runs and is in a dominating position in the fifth Test.