Broad holds the distinction of being the only English cricketer with two Test hat-tricks to his name

Stuart Broad stands out as one of two England fast bowlers to surpass 600 wickets in Test cricket, placing him fifth among the all-time Test wicket-takers. In addition to his Test success, Broad has played in 121 ODIs, claiming 178 wickets, and appeared in 56 T20Is, where he took 65 wickets. Over his distinguished career, Broad frequently led England's bowling attack. His powerful and game-altering spells have often shifted the momentum in England's favour, with his ability to dismantle opposing batting lineups being a hallmark of his play. Broad's influence on the field was immense, and his retirement in 2023 marked the end of an era for English cricket.

As he turns 38, let us look at his greatest spell in the game's longer format.

Stuart Broad celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith

8/15 vs. Australia, 2015

Without a doubt, Broad's finest moment in cricket was etched in Ashes history as one of the most memorable feats. Bowling relentlessly from the Pavilion End at his home ground, Broad decimated Australia's batting lineup in a mere 57 deliveries. He began by getting Chris Rogers caught at slip by Alastair Cook with his third ball and followed it up by dismissing Steve Smith in his first over. Broad's incredible spell ended with figures of 9.3-5-15-8, reducing Australia to just 60 in 18.3 overs. This fantastic performance propelled England to a commanding victory of an inning and 78 runs in less than three days, recovering the Ashes magnificently.

6/17 vs. South Africa, 2016

Broad's remarkable spell in Johannesburg stands out as the only entry on this list achieved outside of England. In a pivotal series moment, Broad dismantled South Africa's second inning, setting up an easy chase for his team and securing a memorable series victory. Utilising the pitch's movement, he tempted Dean Elgar into edging a delivery. Broad took the next four wickets after conceding only a single run. With the top six South African batsmen back in the pavilion, he concluded with extraordinary figures of 6 for 17.

6/22 vs. Australia, 2013

Broad dominated Australia at Chester-le-Street in 2013. After taking five wickets in the first innings, England set a target of 299 for Australia in the second innings. The visitors started strong with a 109-run opening partnership. However, once Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann dismissed the openers, Broad decimated Australia's middle order. He took the crucial wickets of Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, and Nathan Lyon. This remarkable spell helped England secure a victory by 74 runs, reducing Australia from 109 for 0 to 224.

6/34 vs. West Indies, 2020

With a standout performance, Broad secured the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. He took a 10-wicket haul in the match and became the seventh bowler in history to reach 500 Test wickets. His impact was felt throughout the game, even contributing 62 runs with the bat. Following this achievement, Broad emphasised that this milestone was not his swan song, a promise he has upheld, continuing to deliver strong performances three years later.

5/5 vs. India, 2011

In 2011, Broad achieved his first Test hat-trick, dismantling the Indian middle order in the second Test at Trent Bridge. With India leading by 46 runs at 267 for 4 in their first inning, Broad took the second new ball and delivered an unforgettable spell. He first removed Yuvraj Singh, who edged to the keeper. Broad then quickly dismissed MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh to complete his hat-trick. He didn't stop there, sending Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma back to the pavilion, ending his spell with remarkable figures of 5 for 5 and 6 for 21 overall. This extraordinary performance propelled England to a commanding victory by 319 runs.

Only English bowler with two hat-tricks

Broad holds the distinction of being the only English cricketer with two Test hat-tricks to his name. His first feat occurred 12 years ago on his home ground in Nottingham against India. During a dominant English summer under Andrew Strauss, Broad played a pivotal role. In that match, he dismissed MS Dhoni with a catch-to-second slip, claimed Harbhajan Singh lbw despite an inside edge (in the era before DRS), and bowled Praveen Kumar to complete his hat-trick. He achieved his second Test hat-trick three years later against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Despite the successive scalps of Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, and Shaminda Eranga, England lost the match and the series.