Broad admits his biggest regret from Ashes after playing in final ever match

31 July 2023 , 18:57

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Stuart Broad took the final two wickets as England drew the Ashes series 2-2 against Australia (Image: Getty Images)

Stuart Broad has admitted that taking the second new ball during the first Ashes test was his 'biggest regret' during the series as Australia retained the urn.

The 37-year-old, who confirmed he would retire from professional cricket after the conclusion of the fifth test, took the final two wickets as England beat Australia by 49 runs at The Kia Oval to draw the series 2-2. Broad first dismissed Todd Murphy for 18, before getting Alex Carey for the 604th and final test wicket of his career.

However, despite claiming those wickets and ending his career on a high, the Nottingham-born bowler could not help but think about how the Ashes slipped away from England. Ben Stokes' side lost the first two tests at Edgbaston and Lord's to put the Aussies in a commanding position.

And Broad is ruing the mistakes England made in those opening two matches. "I don't have many regrets with cricket. I wouldn't have taken the second new ball at Edgbaston," he told Sky Sports. "Throughout the series the new ball has been the hardest time to bowl.

"We found it hard to create changes after that. If I could turn back the clock for that final hour I'd have maybe stayed with the old ball, stayed heavy and short and see if they'd made a mistake.

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"I had blood in my socks, sweat and I knew the team had put their heart and soul into it and when you lose to a great team like that, but you know you've done everything like that, you've got to hold your head high."

It was an emotional day for Broad, who carried out his swansong in front of a capacity crowd - many of which were donning his trademark headband: "Everywhere I looked round the ground I could see little pockets of fans with them on. It was a really nice gesture to see headbands all around the crowd. It ended up being a little bit of a superstition after Covid. It really made me smile."

Stuart Broad celebrates after taking the wicket of Alex Carey (Getty Images)

England thought they may level the series heading into the final test after an inspired performance at Old Trafford. However, rain ended any chance of Stokes' men getting back into the series as the Aussies retained the urn.

Following the fifth test in London, Moeen Ali also confirmed he would be the latest to retire. He said: "It's amazing great to come back. When he messaged me I was taken aback but didn't hear the news about Leechy. I've really enjoyed it. It's been an amazing experience.

"I knew mentally was going to be tough but physically with the finger and body. I will never forget this for the rest of my life. It was an opportunity. I thought it would be my last few Test matches. It wasn't that daunting I really enjoyed the challenge. It was an amazing time. It was one of those series. I know I'm done. If Stokesy messages me again I'm going to delete it. I have enjoyed it and it is great to finish on a high."

Kieran King