Stuart Broad said winning in South Africa was “one off the bucket list” after bowling England to victory in Johannesburg.
Broad, who had never previously featured in a series win over the Proteas, enjoyed the achievement, but admitted nothing will quite top his Investec Ashes heroics at Trent Bridge.
“To win in South Africa is on the bucket list as a cricketer and I’ve never beaten them in a Test series prior to now,” he said.
“They’re a very tough team to play against so to have come over to South Africa and played the sort of cricket we have; everyone has contributed in the series so far.
“This has to be one of the most special days of my career. I’ve been desperate to win a Test series against South Africa, especially away, and we have worked so hard for this moment.
“I don’t think anything can ever beat taking eight wickets for 15 on your home ground to win the Ashes, but to put in a performance like that against the best team in the world on their own patch is pretty close.
“My juices do seem to flow on the big occasions and I certainly had the bit between my teeth. I don’t think I will ever be a big wicket-taker in pre-season games but something clicked today and it was really exciting to be bowling out there.”
Broad admitted the atmosphere at Johannesburg was hostile, but insisted that he’s content to keep taking flack from opposition crowds, as long as the England supporters are happy.
“The Wanderers can be intimidating and I copped a bit of stick but I’m used to that,” he said.
“I’m a big sports fan who is used to seeing spectators give the opposition some stick and that creates the atmosphere. It’s never nasty or brutal.
“Today’s crowd was one of the most fun I’ve played in front of. The Barmy Army were in good voice but for once English fans were in a minority and that added to the sense of this being an incredible day.
“It’s part of sport. As a kid when I used to watch Leicester Tigers and Forest, you get a bit of banter between the fans and players. I’m pretty used to that after my trip to Australia.
“It’s a great ground it’s very loud, it’s intimidating and that makes the win extra special.”
England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.