The Ashes: England pull off remarkable comeback thanks to Ben Stokes heroics, keeping series alive

Image: England's last-wicket pair, Jack Leach (left) and Ben Stokes celebrate their remarkable win at Headingley

England have pulled off a once-in-a-generation comeback to beat Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
Their remarkable victory at the Leeds ground came thanks to an unbeaten hundred by Ben Stokes as England won by one wicket.

Image: Ben Stokes hit an unbeaten hundred

It revived memories of England's Ian Botham-inspired miracle of 1981 and Mark Butcher's unforgettable pursuit of 315 in 2001.
The result ties the series at 1-1 with two tests to play and means England can still regain the famous urn.

Image: Ben Stokes scored 135 not out to steer England to victory

Australia, as holders, needed to win to retain the urn and looked favourites for most of the day, until Stokes and Jack Leach combined for an unbeaten last-wicket stand of 76.

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Stokes told Sky Sports he always believed victory was possible: "I never gave up," he said, adding that "when it [the target] got into the 20s, I thought it was on."

Had England lost, the chance to win back the trophy which Australia took in 2017 would have gone.

Image: Australia's players celebrate the dismissal of England's Chris Woakes (R)

"We had to win this game to stay in the Ashes," he admitted.
"It was unbelievable," he added. "I'll never forget it."
Stokes' 135 not out was his second unforgettable performance of the summer.
In July, he orchestrated England's first one-day World Cup win in a similarly remarkable final against New Zealand.
Chasing a record 359 to win in their second innings, England resumed on day four on 156-3 in more glorious sunshine in Leeds.
They recovered from the early loss of captain Joe Root for 77 to reach lunch on 238 for four.
But after the break they lost three quick wickets, including Jos Buttler run out, in a familiar collapse.