Stuart Broad bows out in style as he could not have scripted a better farewell to his illustrious international career. The 37-year-old fast bowler, who announced his retirement on the eve of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval, took the final two wickets as England clinched a dramatic 49-run victory over Australia to draw the series 2-2.

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Stuart Broad bows out in style as he ends with 604 Test wickets, the second most by any pace bowler in history, removed Todd Murphy and Alex Carey in successive overs to spark wild celebrations among his team-mates and the jubilant crowd. He was mobbed by his long-time partner James Anderson, who hugged him and lifted him off the ground, before being greeted by his partner Mollie King and his young daughter on the field.

It was a fitting end for an Ashes legend, who had tormented Australia throughout his career with his relentless accuracy, hostility and competitiveness. He had taken 153 wickets against them, more than any other bowler except Shane Warne, and had produced some of the most memorable spells in Ashes history, such as his 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015 and his 5-37 at Lord’s in 2009.

Broad said he wanted to retire “at the top” and “with pure joy and happiness” after playing in one of the most entertaining and fun Ashes series he could remember. He said he loved the “eye-to-eye battle” with Australia and the energy the crowd brought to the game.

“I know my emotions have to be sky high to be a good bowler,” he said. “I can promise you every single time I’ve run in with a ball in my hand against Australia, they’ve been there.”

Broad also thanked his team-mates, coaches, family and fans for their support throughout his 15-year Test career, which began in Sri Lanka in 2007. He said he was proud of what he had achieved and hoped he had inspired some young cricketers to follow in his footsteps.

England captain Ben Stokes paid tribute to Broad’s “unbelievable” performance and said it was “written in the stars” that he would take the last wicket with two left-handers at the crease. Stokes also praised off-spinner Moeen Ali, who took three crucial wickets on the final day despite struggling with a groin injury. Moeen confirmed after the match that this would be his last Test as well.

Australia captain Tim Paine congratulated England on their win and said they deserved to draw the series after fighting hard throughout. He also acknowledged Broad’s contribution to cricket and said he was one of the toughest opponents he had faced.

“He’s been an absolute champion of the game,” Paine said. “He’s been a thorn in our side for a long time. He’s always been up for the contest and always given his best. He’s someone we respect immensely.”

The match itself was a roller-coaster ride that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the very end. England had set Australia a target of 384 after declaring their second innings on 329-8, with Jonny Bairstow making 82 and Broad hitting his last ball faced for six.

Australia looked set for a comfortable draw when they reached 264-3 shortly after tea, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring his third century of the series and Steve Smith making 67. However, England staged a remarkable comeback with Chris Woakes taking four wickets and Moeen three to reduce Australia to 334-9.

With one wicket left and 50 runs needed, Carey and Murphy resisted for almost nine overs, adding 28 runs and raising hopes of an unlikely escape for Australia. But Broad had other ideas. He first induced an edge from Murphy that was caught by Rory Burns at second slip, then trapped Carey lbw with a full delivery that nipped back.

The umpire raised his finger, Broad roared in delight, and England celebrated one of their most memorable Ashes wins. It was a fitting finale for a series that had everything: drama, controversy, skill, courage and sportsmanship.

And it was a fitting farewell for Stuart Broad, one of England’s greatest ever cricketers.

Stuart Broad bows out in style and will be remembered as one of the finest bowlers of his generation, who never gave up and always gave his all for his country. He will be missed by fans around the world, who admired his passion, skill and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match, and a place in cricket history that will be hard to forget.