Ben Stokes relives the Headingley classic amid lockdown
England all-rounder Ben Stokes relived his miraculous innings of Ashes 2019 after seven months. Amid the lockdown, Sky Sports aired the highlights of Headingley Test with live videos of Stokes, captain Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes watching the broadcast. Stokes also described the atmosphere of dressing room following what was an emphatic victory. Here is more.
I'll always cherish the memories: Ben Stokes
"It's the first time I've watched it ball by ball. It's always going to be great. Not just on the field, but the memories we'll always have together as a group. The changing room is sacred as cricketer and that evening was sensational," Stokes said.
England had a mammoth target of 359
Ben Stokes' grit made England pull off a majestic victory in the third Test at Headingley. The hosts were bundled out for a meager 67 in reply of Australia's 179. Australia further racked up 246 in the second innings, giving England a target of 359. The match slipped away from England after skipper Joe Root and Joe Denly departed. However, Stokes had other plans.
Stokes brought England home with one wicket to spare
England resumed the final day 156/3. After Root's dismissal, Stokes shared an 86-run stand with Jonny Bairstow. Wickets started falling in quick succession before England were reduced to 286/9. Stokes unleashed the shackles and started playing in aggressive manner. There were quite a few spine-chilling moments as Stokes continued with his business. He single-handedly completed England's highest ever successful fourth-innings run chase.
When Australia wasted a review that haunted them later
Australia wasted a review when England required nine to win. Jack Leach was trapped LBW by Cummins, but the ball clearly pitched outside the leg stump. Next over gave Australia a similar opportunity to review a decision with reviews in the bank. "You want the world to swallow you up because you know you've made an absolute goober of a mistake," Root said.
