Ben Stokes: Headingley heroics will mean nothing unless we win the Ashes
The 28-year-old will only take real satisfaction from his amazing knock if England triumph in the five-match series.
Ben Stokes accepts his match-winning innings for England against Australia in the third Test at Headingley will count for little unless they win back the Ashes.
The all-rounder shone in England’s dramatic one-wicket victory, scoring a brilliant 135 not out as Joe Root’s side chased down 359.
Australia would have retained the urn had they triumphed in Leeds, but Stokes’ exceptional knock means the series is all square ahead of next week’s fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Stokes told Sky Sports News: “I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet and the main reason for that is we have two games to go.
“If we don’t get the Ashes back what will it feel like? I will only take real satisfaction from the innings if we win back the Ashes.”
Stokes praised the contribution of England’s last man and new cult hero Jack Leach, who faced 17 deliveries for his one run at Headingley.
The pair put on 74 in the space of an hour to frustrate Australia, who had bowled the hosts out for 67 in the first innings.
“He has to take a lot of credit from the game because the 17 balls he faced are probably the most crucial he will ever face in his career.
“We knew how much time we had left in the innings and we were fully prepared to take it into day five because we didn’t have any scoreboard pressure.”
The 28-year-old says England go into the fourth Test with a huge amount of belief after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat on Sunday.
Stokes believes the Australians probably felt they had the match wrapped up when Stuart Broad was out lbw to leave England on 286 for nine.
But with the Headingley crowd on their feet – and at certain stages with their shoes off in a tribute to chant to Stokes – the Durham man delivered with eight sixes and 11 hours in his knock of 135 off 219 balls.
“Momentum is huge in sport and I’m 100 per cent sure when Stuart Broad got out Australia would have thought they will have the Ashes by the end of the day, so we go into the next match with a lot of confidence.
“I think we are very aware as a team and as players that we have a responsibility to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
“What we did in the first half of the summer (win the World Cup) helped us to do that and if we win the Ashes hopefully it will help produce more cricketers out of England over the next 20 years.”
