Stuart Broad retires: Ex-England captain Alastair Cook and former Australia star Glenn McGrath lead the tributes as Nottingham ace walks away from cricket

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook has been left ‘surprised’ and ’emotional’ by the shock retirement of his former team-mate Stuart Broad

As exclusively revealed by Mail Sport, Broad is walking away from all forms of cricket following the final Ashes Test after 17 years at the top level.

Cook, who was speaking to BBC’s Test Match Special, could not hide his surprise when the news arrived at the end of day three of this final test at the Oval

He said: ‘I’m a bit emotional and a bit surprised. But if you look at the schedule for Stuart Broad. You have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer.

‘No offence to those sides but Broad is about big moments. So for him to get through to another big moment is probably another two-and-a-half years.

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook (left) has been left ‘surprised’ and ’emotional’ by Stuart Broad’s (right) shock retirement 

Glenn McGrath (right) has commended Broad for ‘going out on his own terms in a special way’

 ‘The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad. And what a feeling that must be for a player.’

Stuart Broad speaking to Test Match Special about James Anderson’s reaction to his retirement: ‘He just said “are you joking?”. We then had a hug. I went to see Stokes and Baz last night and said thanks for all you have done for me.

‘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.’

Ex-Australian bowler, Glenn McGrath commended his big decision, telling BBC’s Test Match Special: ‘It is a big decision but you come to a time when you know.

‘He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion.

‘Going out on your own terms is special as well. He has been incredible for England for a long, long time.’

On Twitter, there were plenty who made their admiration of Broad clear. Among them, Michael Vaughan, who wrote: ‘Cheers @StuartBroad8 .. An absolute superstar.’

Jack Russell admitted to choking up upon hearing the news. He tweeted: ‘You just choked me up @StuartBroad8. Can remember when you were just a foot long, well done young fellow, the whole country are proud of you. Have a great couple of days to finish, you deserve it. Best wishes, JR. #Ashes #Ashes2023 #EnglandCricket.’

Meanwhile, Surrey Cricket added: ‘It’s been an incredible ride! Congratulations on a remarkable career, @stuartBroad8. Get those knees pumping one last time at the Kia Oval tomorrow.’

Stuart Broad will retire upon the conclusion of the final Ashes Test following a 17-year career