Ben Stokes produced a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ performance for the second time this summer as his brilliant century kept the Ashes alive with a thrilling one-wicket victory over Australia at Headingley.
The all-rounder hit a superb 135 not out, channelling the spirit of Sir Ian Botham in 1981, and arguably eclipsed his match-winning turn in the World Cup final, to lead England to their record chase of 359.
Anything less and Australia would have retained the urn at 2-0 with two to play but what transpired was simply one of the most incredible roars of defiance ever seen on a cricket field, as he led last man Jack Leach in an unbroken stand of 76 for the final wicket.
Stokes hit eight sixes and 11 fours as he instantly laid claim to one of the greatest innings of all time, while Leach’s solitary run was the one that levelled the scores.
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