Stuart Broad gets emotional guard of honour from Australia, hits six off last ball of his international career

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Stuart Broad was given an emotional guard of honour as he walked out to bat for the final time in his international career. The 37-year-old announced a shock retirement after the end of Day 3 play of the ongoing fifth and final Test match at The Oval in London.

Talking to SkySports, he revealed that he made up his mind to bid adieu to international cricket around 8:30 PM on Friday, after the end of Day 2 play. Broad, who became only the fifth bowler to take 150 Test wickets against a single opponent and the first one to do against Australia, said he had always wanted to end his career on a high.

"I am loving cricket as much as I ever had, it has been such a wonderful series to be a part of and I have always wanted to finish on the top. This series feels like one of the most enjoyable entertainment I've been a part of,” Broad said.

In an emotional moment at the start of Day 4, Broad walked out amid a huge applause from everyone at The Oval. He hugged his long-time pace partner James Anderson before walking through the guard of honour formed by Australia. Broad's parents and his partner Mollie King were also present to celebrate the glorious 17 years of Broad in international cricket.

The 37-year-old made his last outing a memorable one by hitting a monstrous six over deep mid-wicket on the last ball he faced in his career. He remained unbeaten on eight as England's second innings came to an end after the dismissal of Anderson by Todd Murphy.

England now need to defend a 384-run target to level the series 2-2 and give Broad a perfect farewell.