Ashes hero Stuart Broad explains Mollie King's reaction to cricket retirement announcement
Ashes icon Stuart Broad has opened up on Mollie King and his retirement from cricket
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Ashes hero Stuart Broad has opened up on how fiancee Mollie King reacted to his cricket retirement.
The 37-year-old confirmed he'd be walking away from the sport on Saturday, shortly before helping England beat Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test.
Broad has now spoken to Sky Sports and revealed the way fiancee Mollie reacted, saying he had her full support.
"Probably probably a week or so I was thinking about retirement," stated the bowler, who took 604 Test wickets during his glittering career.
Ashes hero Stuart Broad has thanked Mollie King for her support after retiring from cricket
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"I was so focused on on the Ashes series. The games were coming so thick and fast. I didn't really have time to think of anything else.
"I had to be fully dedicated to the task at hand and probably towards the end of Old Trafford I started to think 'the last test is next week, where should I go?' I just couldn't think clearly enough.
"I was quite emotionally tired anyway from what had been a really busy summer so far.
"But I FaceTimed Mollie on the Friday night and she just said 'you have got to follow your heart. Just go with whatever you are thinking and I'll support you either way'.
"I put the FaceTime down and just went to Stokes' room, shook his hand and said 'that's me. It's been an absolute pleasure to play with you as a team-mate and a friend. You've been a dream captain, so thank you'."
Broad got the fairytale finish to his cricket career he craved.
The England star managed to dismiss Alex Carey in the closing stages of the contest to spark wild celebrations around The Oval.
And Broad has now revealed captain Ben Stokes had said that would be his last over.
"I felt really relaxed that last day and just for [Chris] Woakes and Moeen [Ali] to set the tone as they did and get some early wickets was awesome. I played so much cricket with both those guys and it was so special," he said.
"The Oval was really loud on Monday.
"The atmosphere was really awesome. To be out there and the little bail flick, getting a couple of wickets.
"I think I just made it up and I wish I found it 10 years ago because I would have a few more wickets!
"Weirdly, Stokesy told me before that over, before I got Todd Murphy out, he said 'this will be your last over because I'm going to get Woody on with the extra pace'.
"So, I was running in knowing that would be my last ball in professional cricket. My legs went a bit jelly-like when I was running in.
"I was saying to myself 'just hit the pitch as hard as you can, try and get the ball to move away. But whack the pitch, don't bowl a floaty half volley for your last ball in international cricket and he nicked it. That's why I reacted like 'Oh my, he's nicked it, he's nicked it.'
"It just felt really special to finish on a win and be in the change room with all the guys that I have played so much cricket with."
Broad is now set to become a commentator.
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England beat Australia in the final Test match with Stuart Broad stepping up
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And there are rumours he may appear on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
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