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Ben Stokes inspires England to incredible victory in Ashes third Test

The English cricketing summer has another incredible Sunday to savour, as Ben Stokes pulled out a...



Ben Stokes inspires England to...
Other Sports

Ben Stokes inspires England to incredible victory in Ashes third Test

The English cricketing summer has another incredible Sunday to savour, as Ben Stokes pulled out an unbelievable performance to secure victory in the third Test of The Ashes.

Looking all but dead and buried by Friday lunchtime, where they capitulated to all out for just sixty-seven runs, England went into their second innings at the bat with nothing but hopes and prayers.

But cometh the hour this summer, and cometh Ben Stokes.

After his World Cup heroics last month, he put in a totemic performance, knocking up an incredible 135 to bring England over the line and keep the series in balance.

But that tells only a fraction of the story, as Stokes himself batted as if it was his personal mission to see that England stayed in contention after a day that started with Joe Root getting out within the first half an hour of play.

With 77 himself, Root was no slouch, but Stokes has had the summer of his sporting life. Who knew that he could come close to matching the drama of the super-over against New Zealand?

But match it he did - albeit with much less on the line. Australia had set a seemingly-unassailable total of 359 for England to chase, but England dug in yesterday against a bowling partnership of Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.

The latter's spin game did little to unsettle the English batsmen, giving up 112 runs for just two wickets, while Hazlewood's economy was much better at four wickets for 85.

However, it was the final overs that added to the sporting summer, with the drama lapped up by a crowd at Headingley enjoying last of the summer.

Stokes dug in, alongside Jack Leach. Leach was almost run-out by a knock from Stokes, the former starting at pace and having to turn on his heel. Nathan Lyon dropped the ball as Leach crept over the line.

A spun delivery from Lyons had the Australians giving their most fervent call of the day, but Joel Wilson decided that it was not to be.

On review, it was very clearly an lbw for Stokes, but the lack of decision reviews for those in Baggy Green meant the teeth-gnashing could begin.

A phenomenal drive for six down the ground set things up perfectly, while Jack Leach's single run drew the Test.

But Stokes has conducted himself with a mix of grit, technique and steel - and rather than just going for the single, drove for four to ensure the win.

This was one of the moments of the summer, and the release of absolute elation was mirrored all around Headingley.

While fans and commentators bask in the late sun - both teams can now be sure that it is not yet set on England's cricketing summer.

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Ashes Ben Stokes England Stokes The Ashes