How? How did he do that? From nowhere, England kept their Ashes 2019 hopes alive with the most miraculous of victories, on the back of a truly remarkable innings from Ben Stokes, unbeaten on 135 in the end, smashing the winning boundary through the covers to secure the win over Australia.

Eleven fours, eight sixes, a partnership of 76 with last man Jack Leach (who scored one), and the most unlikely of climaxes to the most incredible of Ashes Test matches.

Here are the moments that mattered in Stokes’ ridiculous knock:

59.3 overs: Joe Denly is OUT. Ben Stokes arrives at the crease.

Denly and captain Joe Root had laid the foundations with a hundred partnership, but England still require another 218 as Stokes marks his guard.

71.6 overs: Ben Stokes blocks the final ball of the third day back to Nathan Lyon, unbeaten overnight on two.

Stokes blocks every one of the 50 balls he faces, recognising that time is on England’s side and his survival is crucial.

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

77.3 overs: Joe Root is OUT. Ben Stokes has three from 67 balls.

England’s captain charges down the pitch and is well taken at slip by David Warner off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. England are still 200 adrift.

Jos Buttler was run out after a major mix-up with Ben Stokes (PA)

102.2 overs: Jos Buttler is RUN OUT.

A major mix-up as Stokes says yes and then no, and Buttler can’t scramble back in time as Travis Head hits the stumps with a fine underarm flick. With the tail exposed, it appears a lost cause.

104.5 overs: Ben Stokes brings up his fifty

Stokes is beginning to find form and flow, and moves to his 50 with two through the covers.

114.6 overs: Jofra Archer is OUT. His heave across the line appears to end England’s hopes.

Stuart Broad is dismissed LBW two balls later and it seems as if Ben Stokes will be left stranded, with 73 still required and number eleven Jack Leach nervously wandering out.

Ben Stokes reverse sweeps Nathan Lyon for six over point (Action Images via Reuters)

118.5 overs: Ben Stokes reverse sweeps into the stands for six. England need 50.

The most extraordinary of shots at the most extraordinary of times, a switch of stance from Stokes as he plants Nathan Lyon into the crowd beyond deep point. England’s hopes are rekindled.

121.3 overs: Four, six, six. Ben Stokes goes to his hundred and England require just 21.

A smash wide of long-on, a dug out sweep over square-leg, a meaty biff for six more. Stokes nods his head, but does not celebrate his century. There is more to be done.

123.1 overs: Australia drop the Ashes, part one.

Marcus Harris can’t hold on to a tough chance diving forward as Stokes slices to third man. Stokes crunches the next two balls for four. England need eight.

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

123.6 overs: Australia review an LBW against Jack Leach, but the ball is pitching a foot outside leg stump.

A speculative challenge of the umpire’s decision from Tim Paine. Australia are content to lose their final review...

124.5 overs: Australia drop the Ashes, part two.

Jack Leach charges down in search of the single required to level the scores, Ben Stokes sends him back but he’s nowhere as the throw comes to Nathan Lyon on the bounce. Inexplicably, the off-spinner drops it, and Leach scurries back.

Ben Stokes looks nervously at the umpire (Getty Images)

124.6 overs: Stokes misses a sweep. He’s dead. Stone dead. Three reds on HawkEye.

Joel Wilson shakes his head as the Australians roar their appeal. They don’t have a review. Nathan Lyon collapses. It would have been overturned.

125.3 overs: Leach prods into the legside to score his first run and level the scores. The partnership is 72.

Stokes is on strike...

Ben Stokes celebrates after hitting the winning runs (AFP/Getty Images)

125.4 overs: Ben Stokes thumps the winning runs through the covers. England have done it.