19 wickets, all West Indians, fell on day three of the Day-Night Test at Edgbaston, as England snapped a victory by an innings and 209 runs.
It was a complete mauling of the opposition and as we often say in the sports world, the final day of the match was a highlights package with some extended cuts. The match-winning day was more special, as Stuart Broad became the second highest wicket-taker in the history of England cricket.
Broad finished with five wickets in the match – two wickets in the first innings and three in the second – to surpass Sir Ian Botham’s mark of 383 wickets. Broad, who has only his current bowling partner James Anderson in the illustrious list, was understandably overjoyed after surpassing his ‘hero’ Ian Botham
“He’s obviously been a hero of mine, someone who gave me my Test cap back in 2007 and someone who inspired me to play cricket for England with his performances. It’s very special to be up there in the ranks with him,” said Broad on Botham.
Sir Ian Botham. Hero, Inspiration, Legend. I feel proud to be in the same company with this man… https://t.co/36uqIMZwM1
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 20, 2017
In fact, it was Botham who handed Broad his Test cap in Colombo in December 2007, and the former all-rounder was present at the ground when Broad reached the milestone moment.
The tweet that matters
“It was great, I’m very pleased for him, I think it’s terrific,” said Botham in response. And later added, “Many congratulations ‘Broady’ great effort really pleased for you !!!! Better have a good glass or two of the finest !!!!” in a tweet.
Many congratulations 'Broady' great effort really pleased for you !!!! Better have a good glass or two of the finest !!!!
???— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) August 19, 2017
What a way to do it – @StuartBroad8 takes his 384th Test wicket to become our second highest wicket taker! ?https://t.co/rxDAQ3Mugf pic.twitter.com/72OvnVstqh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/BigSportGB/status/898987765731397633
I'm very proud of my mate @StuartBroad8 for passing @BeefyBotham in the wicket tally table. Up there with the best ever in my book ???
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) August 19, 2017
Well done Stuart Broad. Fantastic achievement to go past Sir Ian Botham. He's only 31 too. Plenty more wickets to come
— Paul Newman (@Paul_NewmanDM) August 19, 2017
Huge congrats @StuartBroad8 … Passing a legend like @BeefyBotham is remarkable … Proud to say I gave you your debut cap … #384
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/899233981077610497
A special mention for @StuartBroad8 Congrats on reaching the 384 ???? pic.twitter.com/D9MI8VexcJ
— Joe Root (@root66) August 19, 2017
Stuart Broad surpasses ‘hero’ Ian Botham https://t.co/vk5L4qJ5GK pic.twitter.com/SW9ZH6yLIa
— $@ch!n kum@₹ (@KumarSk955524) August 20, 2017
That moment when you realize that @jimmy9 & @StuartBroad8 have taken 876 wickets in their test careers.
The best duo of @englandcricket !!!— Punyasloka (@punenigma_31) August 20, 2017
He's big, he's bad, he's better than his dad, Stuart Broad, Stuart Broad..!!
What an achievement for this man..?? pic.twitter.com/w2PNHvwGXG— Ben Stokes Fans (@BenStokesFans) August 20, 2017
Only James Anderson stands ahead of Broad in the list of highest wicket takers with 492 wickets to his name.