The 2019 Ashes series produced several memorable moments, but none was quite as extraordinary as Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 at Headingley. With England staring at another defeat against Australia, the all-rounder
produced one of the greatest fourth-innings performances in Test cricket to pull off an astonishing one-wicket victory. Australia dominated much of the third Test after winning the toss and batting first.
Marnus Labuschagne scored 74 as the visitors posted 179, with Jofra Archer picking up six wickets. England’s response was disastrous, as Josh Hazlewood picked up five wickets to bowl them out for just 67. The visitors extended their advantage with 246 in the second innings, setting England a challenging target of 359. The hosts needed something extraordinary to stay alive in the series, and Stokes eventually delivered exactly that.
Ben Stokes 135(219)* vs Australia, 3rd Test, Leeds Ashes 2019.
The famous Headingley Test match, my favourite Ben Stokes moment.
Happy retirement, Ben Gangster Stokes 🤍 https://t.co/PEc1TwTZvO
— Santoshvk18 (@269signofff) June 29, 2026
Ben Stokes produces an innings for the ages
England’s chase began poorly, with Rory Burns and Jason Roy departing early. Joe Root and Joe Denly attempted to rebuild the innings, scoring 77 and 50 respectively but Australia continued to pick up wickets.
When Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes were dismissed, England were in serious trouble. Stokes refused to get bogged down or give up without a fight. He combined defence with aggressive strokeplay, gradually bringing England closer to an improbable victory.
His partnership with Jofra Archer offered some hope, but Archer’s dismissal left England with only one wicket remaining and 73 runs still required. That was when Jack Leach joined Stokes at the crease. The final-wicket pair added an unbeaten 76 runs, with Leach contributing just one run from 17 balls while providing crucial support at the other end.
Stokes took charge of the scoring, attacking Nathan Lyon and the Australian fast bowlers with remarkable confidence. He eventually finished unbeaten on 135 off 219 balls, smashing 11 fours and eight sixes. England reached 362/9 in 125.4 overs, completing their highest successful Test run chase at the time.
The finish was just as dramatic as the innings itself. Stokes survived a huge leg-before appeal with two runs needed, before striking Pat Cummins through the covers to bring up the winning boundary. England had secured a one-wicket victory and levelled the five-match series at 1-1. Stokes was named Player of the Match for his extraordinary contribution.
