An astonishing century from Ben Stokes secured England one of the greatest Ashes comebacks off all time against Australia at Headingley to level the series.

Chasing a mammoth 359 in the fourth innings, Stokes hit a flurry of boundaries in a remarkable last-wicket stand of 76 with Jack Leach, who scored only one run, from the penultimate ball, while Stokes racked up 135 runs to clinch victory.

England’s hopes appeared to be over as they lost five wickets for 31 runs to bring Leach to the crease with 73 still required.

But Stokes remained, and moved to his hundred with a quite magnificent display of power-hitting and innovation to pull off perhaps the greatest chase in Ashes history.

England’s day had begun badly when Joe Root, unbeaten overnight on 75, fell early, having added only two to his score.

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Popperfoto via Getty Images 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. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The damage to his helmet. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The vicious blow knocked out Stokes' stem guards. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures A close-up of the delivery. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The ball thumped into his helmet. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment to compose himself. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes inspects his helmet after being hit. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes collects a piece of his broken helmet. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes receives some help in piecing together his helmet. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The delivery caused his helmet to break. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pieces fly off of the helmet of England's Ben Stokes. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes was lucky not to lose his wicket. 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Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England batsman Ben Stokes pulls a ball from Cummins for 6 runs. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes blocks a low delivery. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes ducks a high ball. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He sets off for a quick single. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow of England take a break. Popperfoto via Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes, centre, and Jonny Bairstow walk on after lunch. AP Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow eventually fell for 36. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's hopes looked slim after Bairstow fell. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow's dismissal left England 245-5. AP Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He gets his bat to a bouncer. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes gestures before Jos Buttler is run out. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jorfa Archer replaced Chris Woakes at the crease with England 261-7. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Archer eventually fell for 15, with England 286-8. Popperfoto via Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stuart Broad replaced Archer at the crease. Popperfoto via Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate Stokes going on the attack. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits for four. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes looks to the heavens. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits a ball for 6 runs watched by Tim Paine. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The Australians were in the batsman's ear all day. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action, Action Images via Reuters 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. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets down on one knee. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England reverse sweeps for six watched on by Tim Paine. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The sublime shot flew over the boundary. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts after being struck on the knee. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He again tries the reverse sweep. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a reverse sweep for six. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He reacts after being struck on the knee. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England edged towards their mammoth target. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on his bat. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates his century in extremely muted fashion. Action Images via Reuters 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. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He pinches a single as Tim Paine looks on. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's two batsmen touch gloves. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays another attacking shot... AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... which sends the Headingley crowd wild. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes turns for a second run. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures David Warner fails to stop the ball before the boundary. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The 28-year-old hits a four. Action Images via Reuters 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. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marnus Labuschagne fails to stop a six. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marcus Harris missed a catch. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates winning the third Test for England. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He roars to the heavens... Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... and Headingley roars with him. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Walking off the field of play triumphant. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He looked as though he could barely believe his achievement. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates victory. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach celebrate. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The two men celebrate England's win. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates hitting the winning runs. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He walks off the field of play. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach greet one another. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The winning moment. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's squad rush to congratulate their hero. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes lifts his bat. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And looks stunned to have won. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England walks from the ground on 135 not out. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The hero. Getty Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He was at the crease for 330 minutes. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He faced 219 deliveries. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes is mobbed. Action Images via Reuters Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jason Roy and Joe Root greet England's match winner. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And Jofra Archer steals a cheeky hug. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on Stuart Broad for support. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates with teammate Jonathan Bairstow. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jos Buttler grabs the match winner. Getty Images

Root charged down the pitch to Nathan Lyon, a curious action with the new ball due in two overs, and a thick inside edge took the ball onto his calf.

David Warner brilliantly claimed at slip to leave England four down with 200 runs still required.

But Jonny Bairstow and Stokes played positively against the new ball as Australia struggled for line and length, putting the bowling side on the back foot and accelerating the scoring rate.

Come lunch, England had added 80 morning runs for the loss of only Root.

However, Bairstow fell soon after the interview, chasing a wide one from Josh Hazlewood and skewing to second slip, Marnus Labuschagne taking a sharp catch.

England’s chances were diminished further as Jos Buttler followed Bairstow back to the hutches in short order, run out after a horrible mix-up with Stokes.

And when Chris Woakes chipped to short mid-off to depart for one, Australia’s retention of the Ashes seemed an almost foregone conclusion.

Yet Stokes had not given up hope. His fifty had come up in the over before Woakes’ dismissal, and in Jofra Archer he had a solid enough partner with which to rebuild.

What he could not bank on was some curiously loose swinging from Archer.

Thrice he got away with legside heaves but he would not survive a fourth, as a salsa dancing Travis Head on the deep square-leg boundary took an excellent catch to remove Archer for 15.

Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Show all 11 1 /11 Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Rory Burns 4 PA Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Jason Roy 3 AFP/Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Joe Root 7 Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Joe Denly 6 Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Ben Stokes 10 Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Jonny Bairstow 5 AP Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Jos Buttler 3 AFP/Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Chris Woakes 4 Getty Images Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Jofra Archer 8 PA Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Stuart Broad 6 AP Ashes player ratings from Headingley Test Jack Leach 8 AFP/Getty Images

England were nine down two balls later as James Pattinson pushed through a quick yorker, Stuart Broad reviewing in hope rather than expectation. He was plumb LBW.

73 were still required, then, as Jack Leach strode to the crease, calmly rubbing his spectacles as Stokes welcomed him with warm words.

Leach knew the job was simple – survive, and give Stokes the strike.

And he took to task in fine fashion. He only faced the 17 balls, but he never looked like getting out, and allowed Stokes the freedom of stroke he required to pull off the remarkable.

The switch was well and truly flicked on Leach’s arrival, Stokes into white-ball death-batting mode, with Leach holding up his end when required.

It was truly sublime from Stokes. In the course of seven balls he reverse-swept Lyon into the stands beyond deep point and then scooped Pat Cummins, the world’s number one ranked Test bowler, for six to fine leg.

And when he crunched Hazlewood to the long-on boundary to bring up his hundred, he did not celebrate, no bat raise, helmet removal, balcony signalling. A simple nod of the head, and back into his batting stance, with more work to be done.

An exhausted Ben Stokes in the England dressing room after his remarkable innings (Getty)

Consecutive sixes followed.

But there was yet more drama to come. Australia threw a review to the wind as Cummins struck the left-handed Leach on the pads from over the wicket, but it had pitched a foot outside of leg-stump, and Australia knew as much as they challenged the not out decision of Chris Gaffaney. The decision stood. Australia were out of reviews.

And then in two Nathan Lyon balls the game swung again.

Stokes chopped the first to short third man, Jack Leach ran, Stokes did not, and the England number eleven was halfway down as the throw bounced into Nathan Lyon’s hands. The off-spinner, with time to take, dropped the ball. Leach scrambled back.

That looked to be that, with just two required for victory, but it would not be. Stokes aimed something large to leg, missed and was struck in front. Australia roared. Joel Wilson shook his head.

Lyon collapsed to the floor. Australia no longer had that review. Ball-tracking showed three reds – it was plumber than plumb.

This was clearly England’s day, and when Leach got off the mark to level the scores, the baton was fittingly passed back to Stokes to bring them home.

Ben Stokes salutes the Headingley crowd (Getty)

And bring them home he did, an emphatic crunch through the covers to seal victory by one wicket. It was England’s highest-ever fourth innings Ashes chase.

The win keeps England in the hunt as they look to win back the Ashes, with the score tied at 1-1 after three Tests.