Stuart Broad: Profile of England’s Match-Turning Seamer

Stuart Broad was one of the great English fast bowlers, known for his ability to take wickets in bursts and change the course of a match in a single spell. His career spanned nearly 17 years and finished with a dramatic farewell at the Ashes in 2023.

Early life and rise

Born in Nottingham in 1986, Broad is the son of Chris Broad, who opened the batting for England and later became an ICC match referee. He began his career with Leicestershire before moving to Nottinghamshire. He played for England in T20 cricket in 2006 and made his Test debut in December 2007 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

A baptism of fire

One of the best-known episodes of his early career came at the 2007 World T20 in South Africa, when Yuvraj Singh hit him for six sixes in a single over. Broad responded by working hard on his game, and became one of the toughest bowlers in the world.

Playing style

At nearly 6ft 6in, Broad bowled a heavy ball that bounced awkwardly, and he developed a very good stock delivery that moved slightly away from right-handers. He was also a capable lower-order left-handed batter who made useful contributions. His competitiveness and ability to rise to the occasion were his defining features.

Career highlights

Broad played 167 Tests and took 604 wickets. He took a hat-trick against India at Trent Bridge in 2011. His most famous spell came in the 2015 Ashes at Trent Bridge, when he took 8 for 15 and bowled Australia out for 60 in a morning session. He was part of the England team that won the 2010 World T20 and the 2010–11 Ashes in Australia.

In limited-overs cricket he played 121 ODIs, taking 178 wickets, and 56 T20 internationals, taking 65 wickets. He captained England’s T20 side for several years.

Retirement and legacy

Broad announced his retirement during the 2023 Ashes at The Oval and played his final Test there, taking the last Australian wicket in the match. He leaves behind a reputation as one of England’s greatest bowlers. Career totals above are as of the end of 2024.

Frequently asked questions

How many Test wickets did Stuart Broad take?

He took 604 wickets in 167 Tests.

What was Broad’s best Test bowling figures?

He took 8 for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge in the 2015 Ashes.

When did Stuart Broad retire?

He retired after the final Test of the 2023 Ashes at The Oval.