Image Source: X – ECB
[Saba Sports News] One of England’s greatest pacers, Stuart Broad, retired on July 29, 2023, after the Ashes. The 37-year-old played 167 Tests, took 604 wickets, and became the second-highest wicket-taking pacer in Test history, after James Anderson.
In recognition of his contributions to England cricket, Nottinghamshire named a stand after him as England faced the West Indies in the second Test on July 18.
Broad, born in Nottinghamshire, also played for the county, Leicestershire, and Marylebone Cricket Club. Post-retirement, he was honoured as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in King Charles’ New Year’s honours. Broad inaugurated the stand at Trent Bridge Stadium just before the game.
In the second Test, West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl. England started aggressively, with Zak Crawley out for a duck and Ben Duckett scoring a blistering 71 off 59 balls, contributing to England’s record for the fastest team fifty in just 4.2 overs.
Duckett was ready to leave for his child’s birth but remained eager to play, with full support from the team.
“There is a plan in place for Ben and his partner. We will have to make a decision if it happens before the game and we are batting. If it happens during the Test, Ben will go and then return to the team. He is incredibly eager to play this Test match, but the message from me and Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum) is that family comes first. Whatever decision he makes, he has our full support,” said Stokes before the match.