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England captain Joe Root described Ben Stokes as a “freak” after the all-rounder’s astonishing unbeaten 135 at Headingley kept their Ashes hopes alive.
Stokes, who was the hero of England’s equally dramatic World Cup win, put together a 76-run 10th-wicket stand with his final partner, Jack Leach, who scored only one run as he fended off Australia’s bowling attack for long enough to allow Stokes to smash the ball to all corners of the ground.
His innings included eight sixes of all types, with one huge reverse sweep as well as an audacious scoop over Australia’s captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine behind him.
“Ben Stokes is a freak, he’s incredible,” said Root. “The message at the start was to just keep believing. If we had two people out there still breathing then we have a chance.
“After Stokes got to 60-70 he looked like he wasn’t going to get out. To win a game on your own from there is just amazing. He does have recent experience of doing it. Just incredible to watch unfold.”
Show all 100 1 /100Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The glorious story of one of the most sensational innings in the history of Test cricket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes came out to bat with England at 141-3, after the fall of Joe Denly.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes had to defend just about every delivery until the close of play on day three.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Joe Root and Ben Stokes of England walk form the ground at stumps during day three.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The pair leave the field.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes of England is struck on the helmet by Josh Hazlewood at the start of day four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The damage to his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The vicious blow knocked out Stokes' stem guards.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures A close-up of the delivery.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The ball thumped into his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment to compose himself.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes inspects his helmet after being hit.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes collects a piece of his broken helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes receives some help in piecing together his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The delivery caused his helmet to break.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pieces fly off of the helmet of England's Ben Stokes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes was lucky not to lose his wicket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Australia's James Pattinson (centre) reacts as England's Ben Stokes (left) runs past.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes cuts a ball to the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes faced an incredible 219 deliveries.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate after England's Ben Stokes hits four runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pat Cummins of Australia is hit for six runs by Ben Stokes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England batsman Ben Stokes pulls a ball from Cummins for 6 runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes blocks a low delivery.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes ducks a high ball.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He sets off for a quick single.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow of England take a break.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes, centre, and Jonny Bairstow walk on after lunch.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow eventually fell for 36.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's hopes looked slim after Bairstow fell.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow's dismissal left England 245-5.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He gets his bat to a bouncer.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes gestures before Jos Buttler is run out.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jorfa Archer replaced Chris Woakes at the crease with England 261-7.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Archer eventually fell for 15, with England 286-8.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stuart Broad replaced Archer at the crease.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate Stokes going on the attack.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits for four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes looks to the heavens.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits a ball for 6 runs watched by Tim Paine.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The Australians were in the batsman's ear all day.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action,
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures With Jack Leach at the crease England had to be on the lookout for quick singles.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets down on one knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England reverse sweeps for six watched on by Tim Paine.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The sublime shot flew over the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts after being struck on the knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He again tries the reverse sweep.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a reverse sweep for six.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He reacts after being struck on the knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England edged towards their mammoth target.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on his bat.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates his century in extremely muted fashion.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures At this point Stokes didn't think he had an awful lot to celebrate.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He pinches a single as Tim Paine looks on.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's two batsmen touch gloves.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays another attacking shot...
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... which sends the Headingley crowd wild.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes turns for a second run.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures David Warner fails to stop the ball before the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The 28-year-old hits a four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He could barely watch Jack Leach at the other end of the wicket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marnus Labuschagne fails to stop a six.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marcus Harris missed a catch.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates winning the third Test for England.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He roars to the heavens...
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... and Headingley roars with him.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Walking off the field of play triumphant.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He looked as though he could barely believe his achievement.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates victory.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach celebrate.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The two men celebrate England's win.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates hitting the winning runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He walks off the field of play.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach greet one another.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The winning moment.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's squad rush to congratulate their hero.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes lifts his bat.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And looks stunned to have won.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England walks from the ground on 135 not out.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The hero.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He was at the crease for 330 minutes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He faced 219 deliveries.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes is mobbed.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jason Roy and Joe Root greet England's match winner.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And Jofra Archer steals a cheeky hug.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on Stuart Broad for support.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates with teammate Jonathan Bairstow.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jos Buttler grabs the match winner.
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Paine and his Australian teammates were magnanimous at the finish, congratulating Stokes on one of the great Ashes performances.
“Ah look, it happens mate,” Paine said of his team’s gut-wrenching defeat. ”Ben Stokes has played one of the great innings. It’s got to sting but we have to trust our process, we were very close. We are on the right track and we have two more chances to win the Ashes .”
The one-wicket victory means the series is level at 1-1 going into the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which begins on 4 September.
“I never gave up,” Stokes said. ”When Jack Leach came in it was pretty clear what I had to do. I told him five and one, I’d take five balls and give him one. Leachy is our super-nightwatchman so I backed him knowing what we had to do. I couldn’t watch at the end. I couldn’t watch the balls going down.”
Former England all-rounder Ian Botham, speaking in the Sky Sports studio, said afterwards: “It takes a remarkable man and I said this morning that someone needed to front up and be strong. I’ve banged the Ben Stokes drum for a long time now and I know when other players see him they think there is something special about him.
“He is very, very valuable to cricket -- not just England, he will sell the game worldwide. He should enjoy every moment. It was a really remarkable performance.”
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