On August 25, 2019, in Headingley, Leeds, on Day 4 of the third Ashes Test, prolific all-rounder Ben Stokes struck a remarkable century to lead England (ENG) to a memorable victory over archrivals Australia (AUS).
In the Ashes series, England drew the second Test but lost the first by 251 runs. To restore parity, they required victory at Headingley. In the third Test, Jofra Archer’s six-for helped England get off to a terrific start as the visitors were bowled out for 179. Nevertheless, the Aussies rolled the Three Lions over for 67 runs as their batters flopped miserably.
Australia put on a stronger batting show in the second innings, although they were finally bowled for 246. Following a single wicket in Australia’s opening innings, Stokes claimed three wickets in the second innings. With 359 to chase in the fourth innings, the hosts faced a formidable task.
Their start was not good as they lost their first two players, Jason Roy and Rory Burns, for single-digit scores. With the score at 15/2, Joe Root and Joe Denley teamed up. With good chemistry, they put up a crucial 126-run partnership of 319 balls, giving England hope for a dramatic comeback. Nevertheless, neither athlete was able to turn their half-centuries into three-figure totals. During their 86-run partnership off 130 balls, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow hit several elegant strokes.
But just as the combination was beginning to wear Australia down, Bairstow left for 36. Australia caused chaos, and England fell from 245/3 to 286/9. Stokes and Jack Leach, who bats at number 11, had the task of leading England home. With 73 runs remaining in the innings, the visitors were the favourites to extend their lead. But England’s best all-round player wasn’t going down without a fight.
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Ben Stokes tried his best to protect Leach while attacking the Australian bowlers. Nathan Lyon had a clear chance to force a run out, giving the foreigners their opportunities. Additionally, Australia had no reviews left, and Joel Wilson gave Stokes not out of an LBW call. As Stokes’ valiant knock was rewarded with a bit of luck, ball-tracking revealed three reds.
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Ultimately, the southpaw sent Pat Cummins batting through the covers with a stunning boundary to lead his team to an exciting one-wicket victory. After hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, Stokes eventually finished undefeated on 135 off 219 balls. Leach and Stokes put up 76 runs (62 balls) together, however Leach only played 17 balls and scored one run.
India
