Stuart Broad is looking forward to tucking into some cheese and a glass of red wine in his first Christmas as a former England bowler... as he prepares for some long-awaited time off over the festive

It has been a long time since Stuart Broad has been allowed to truly indulge himself at Christmas. Broad announced his shock retirement from the sport last summer, but still had time to lead England to an Ashes series-levelling victory in the fifth Test at the Oval before hanging up his bowling boots. Stuart Broad will be looking forward to his first Christmas with his family since retiring from cricket Broad took a wicket with his final ball in Test cricket at the climax of a thrilling Ashes series Broad's was a send-off that most sporting legends aspire to, but few every actually achieve But now there will be no more Christmases away from home. ‘Home Alone will still be getting watched but it might be getting watched with a glass of red, which I’ve not been allowed before.’ Broad's achievements on the field were recognised with a second-place finish at last night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Broad was beaten to the Sports Personality of the Year Award by Lionesses star Mary Earps The 37-year-old former bowler claimed that he wanted to control his retirement from cricket ‘Cricket is my greatest hobby so I want to stay involved in the game somehow,’ he said.