Ben Stokes delivered one of the greatest innings in the history of Test cricket to lead England to a stunning one-wicket victory over Australia at Headingley to keep the 2019 Ashes series alive.

Stokes hit 135 not out, spending an astonishing 330 minutes at the crease to help England to a record run chase of 359.

Stokes hit eight sixes and 11 fours as he instantly laid claim to one of the greatest innings of all time, while tail-ender Jack Leach‘s solitary run was the one that levelled the scores.

“At the start of the day, time wasn’t an issue. If it would take till tomorrow to get the runs we needed then we were prepared to do that,” Stokes said of his memorable innings. “And Jack Leach came in and there were some crucial balls he faced so credit to him to do that in such a pressure situation.”

Relive one of the most sensational knocks in the history of Test cricket with our selection of the 100 best photographs.

Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Show all 100 1 /100 Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The glorious story of one of the most sensational innings in the history of Test cricket. Getty Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes came out to bat with England at 141-3, after the fall of Joe Denly. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes had to defend just about every delivery until the close of play on day three. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Joe Root and Ben Stokes of England walk form the ground at stumps during day three. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The pair leave the field. 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. AFP/Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Australia's James Pattinson (centre) reacts as England's Ben Stokes (left) runs past. PA Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes cuts a ball to the boundary. Getty Images Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes faced an incredible 219 deliveries. AP Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate after England's Ben Stokes hits four runs. AP Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pat Cummins of Australia is hit for six runs by Ben Stokes. 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

England skipper Joe Root meanwhile called Stokes’ display “outrageous”.

“We said at the start of the day, ‘we just have to believe’ and while two people are alive and breathing, we have a chance,” he said.

“We’ve seen some freakish things already this summer in the World Cup but I didn’t think we’d see something similar in this series.

“It was an incredible game of cricket, an incredible atmosphere and Test cricket is alive and kicking. This Ashes is alive and kicking.”