Ashes 2023 Witness Extraordinary Moments
Stuart Broad expressed that he will retire from cricket with “pure joy and happiness” after securing the final two wickets, leading England to a 49-run victory in the Ashes 2023 series, resulting in a 2-2 draw. The 37-year-old legendary fast bowler made this decision after a 15-year Test career and achieved an impressive milestone of 604 Test wickets.
Broad wanted his last ball to be in a special environment, playing the sport he still loves, leaving him with lasting memories of joy and happiness. He concluded his career on a high note by hitting a six with his final ball faced and taking a wicket with his last delivery.
His retirement marks a remarkable record of 153 Test wickets against Australia. England captain Ben Stokes, who played alongside him for a long time, acknowledged Broad’s remarkable contribution to the team.
Australia Lost The Game Out of Nowhere
Australia were ahead in the game until the lunch. There is a lot of controversy related to the new ball that looked a bit used. The older ball seemed to do a lot in those conditions. At one stage, Australia were at 264-3 while chasing a target of 384, but England staged a remarkable comeback, with Chris Woakes taking 4-50 and off-spinner Moeen Ali playing a crucial role with 3-76.
Moeen made a comeback from retirement to play in the series despite struggling with a groin injury. After the Test, he confirmed that it would be his last match. Speaking about the match, he expressed:
To conclude with Broady taking the last wicket was an amazing moment, resulting in a great win.
He also jokingly said: “If Stokesy texts me again, I will delete his messages.” Some people said that he underperformed in the Ashes, however, considering he didn’t play any game for a year and with damaged finger, Moeen performed well for his team.
Returning from retirement for Ashes 2023 was a bit intimidating for Moeen, as historically, he hasn’t performed his best against Australia. However, when asked by Stokesy, he thought, ‘why not?’ and is glad he said yes. He finds it amazing to finish with a victory against Australia and be of some help to the team.
The outcome of the series means England managed to draw the Ashes, even after being 2-0 down after two Tests, while also preventing Australia from achieving their first series win in the UK since 2001.
England staged a remarkable comeback. Some Australians weren’t happy about the way things happened on thr fifth, same as, Englishmen verbally attacked Australian wicketkeeper for running out Jonny Bairstow which was absolutely right according to the rules of cricket but it was “spirit of game” that took the surface of conversation.
Stokes, who juggled the ball while celebrating a catch of Steve Smith, went on to take DRS which was more based on desperation because Australia were ahead in the game at the time. However, Moeen, Woakes and Broad turned the game on its head within few next overs.
It’s a Fair Result, According to Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes captained his first Ashes series, continued to employ England’s aggressive style throughout. He believes the 2-2 result of Ashes 2023 is a fair reflection of both teams’ performance.
He stated:
Being in a do-or-die situation, most teams might shy away, but we knew we had to force the situation from the second game onwards.
Looking back, Stokes acknowledges that some things went their way, and some favored Australia. Ultimately, he’s proud of the team’s commitment and accomplishments during the Ashes series.
