Stuart Broad a great source of English pride after 600th wicket taken in Ashes

Even before Stuart Broad took his 600th Test wicket against Australia on Wednesday, his status as an England legend was cemented.

Now, even more so.

Broad stepped up to claim two tickets to boost England's chances of winning The Ashes back, with the hosts trailing 2-1 in the series so far.

He took the early wicket of Usman Khawaja, with the Aussie managing just three runs during his time at the crease.

Stuart Broad took his 600th Test wicket against Australia at The Ashes

And Broad then got the 600th wicket he craved, removing Travis Head to etch his name into the history books.

England need to win this one. A draw won't do because it'll mean Australia retaining the urn, just like a defeat.

Broad has given them a fighting chance, even if Chris Woakes was the star of the show with his four wickets resulting in just 52 Australia runs.

Indeed, English cricket and everybody associated with the sport should be proud of his achievement.

Broad has become just the second fast bowler in the history of Test matches to claim 600 victims.

The other? England's very own Jimmy Anderson.

Anderson is starting to wane, with the veteran unable to take a ticket on Wednesday on a difficult day at times.

But both men deserve every ounce of credit for their achievements in the sport.

For only two fast bowlers to be in the 600 club, and both being from England, should be a great source of pride.

There are other members of the group as well, of course, but they're all spin bowlers from overseas.

Muttiah Muralitharan was unparalleled during his time in the sport, managing 800 wickets from 133 Test matches.

The late, great Shane Warne picked up 708 from 145 matches - though gave away less runs than his Sri Lankan rival.

Anderson comes in third, with the England star trailing Warne by 20 having played more Tests throughout his career.

Anil Kumble is next on the list with 619, with Broad sitting in fifth.

And, to put his achievement into even greater perspective, he's ahead of icons such as Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh and Kapil Dev.

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Jimmy Anderson is part of the 600 club along with Stuart Broad

Speaking after the day's play, meanwhile, Broad said: "It’s a very special feeling

"When I went past Glenn McGrath [563 wickets], my hero growing up, that was really cool.

"I suppose it’s a thing of longevity and I am addicted to Test cricket.

"I like the grit and competitive nature of it. It’s great to be on that list with some of the greats of the game.

"I remember getting my cap from Ian Botham in Colombo and my mindset was never playing Test cricket was the achievement, but having an impact on it.

"I’ve played in some great teams along the way."

In a separate interview, he added: "Never in my dreams did I think that (600 wickets) would be a thing.

"Some players feel they have achieved what they wanted to after getting a Test cap and I’ve been fortunate enough to create memories.

"Never did I think I would be up there with the greats of the game."

The England bowler took two tickets against Australia on Wednesday