STUART BROAD became just the seventh bowler to reach 500 Test wickets as England thumped West Indies by 269 runs in the Third Test.
The England legend, 34, continued his red-hot vein of form on Tuesday as he removed West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite to take his 500th scalp.
He now joins the likes of James Anderson, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan in the 500 Club.
Broad was dropped for the First Test defeat against the Windies – and was vocal in his frustration.
Since returning, the England quick was on fire, taking six wickets across two vital spells of almost unplayable bowling in the Second Test win.
Broad then took TEN wickets in the Third Test, the first time he’s managed that since 2013 as England wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
Fittingly, Broad took the final wicket of Jermaine Blackwood to take his ten-wicket haul and clinch the win.
His six wickets in the West Indies’ first innings set England up superbly – and he took two late on day three to all but hand his side victory before getting the first and last on day five.
After the win, Broad said: “[Getting 500 wickets] feels amazing.
“It’s a shame that my friends and family can’t be here to give a little wave to but it was great to have my dad here.
“It was special to get 500 and great to have one family member here.
“When we toured New Zealand and I got 400, Richard Hadlee wrote in a book ‘go get 500’ but it felt a long way away.
“It feels great to do it when contributing to a win.”
As play resumed on day five, following Monday’s washout, Broad rapped Brathwaite on the pads – with the opener plumb lbw.
Brathwaite now holds the unwanted honour of being both Anderson AND Broad’s 500th Test wicket.
Broad’s milestone came up in just his 140th match – as he was watched by dad – and former England batsman, Chris – in the stands.
And he will now have Courtney Walsh (519) and Glenn McGrath (563) in his sights.
Anderson, 39, is still going strong on 589 wickets, as he chases his very own milestone of 600.
He would become the first-ever pace bowler to reach that tally, already the leading wicket taker amongst the quicks in history.
Only spin legends Muralitharan (800), Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) have more wickets than Anderson.
Broad has 17 five-fers during his career, including his 6-31 in the first innings at Old Trafford over the weekend.
His career-best figures remain his astonishing spell of 8-15 against Australia, with the old enemy bowled out for 60 at Trent Bridge – his home ground – in 2015.
Broad has taken two Test hat-tricks during his career – one against India in 2011 and another against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Interestingly, Broad has rarely been able to choose his own end, with Anderson so often given first pick, making his 500-tally all the more impressive.
Anderson now believes Broad could surpass his total wickets tally before he retires.
The Burnley Lara said: “Stuart is an absolute credit to himself for the work he’s put in the last few years.
“He is incredible to watch and a real inspiration, not just for the younger members but for me too.
“There’s a good chance he’ll take more wickets more than me – why can’t he play as long as me?
“He’s in good shape and he leads the attack brilliantly and can take as many wickets as he wants.”
Elsewhere, Michael Vaughan – who gave Broad his first Test cap in 2007 – added: “He’s a great, not just of English cricket, but of the game.
“He’s got 500 wickets, maybe will get to 600 and he has been involved in so many Ashes series wins (four).”
