Ashes 2019: 5 moments in the last 5 overs of the third Test which changed the match for England 

Ben Stokes after hitting the winning runs
Ben Stokes after hitting the winning runs

The world witnessed an edge of the seat thriller on the fifth day of the third Test Match between Australia and England at Headingley in Leeds, with Ben Stokes continuing with his miraculous all-round performance.

The final day's play resumed with England at the score of 156 for 3. Joe Root was dismissed early on by Josh Hazlewood, with Jonny Bairstow coming out to bat. The partnership of 86 runs between Bairstow and Stokes kept the English dream alive. The dismissal of Bairstow led to the fall of successive wickets of Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes as England looked in danger.

Jofra Archer came out and hit some mighty blows. Archer was dismissed caught at deep square leg as he tried to clear the boundary. Broad soon followed Archer as England needed 73 to win with one wicket in hand. Jack Leach, who had earlier put on a spectacular display against Ireland scoring 92, held his end as Stokes steered England to an unimaginable victory. Five moments in the second innings which switched the game in favor of England are as follows:


#1 Throw at the wrong end as Stokes survives

Stokes survives a run out scare as the throw was at the wrong end
Stokes survives a run out scare as the throw was at the wrong end

With 48 runs needed at the end of the 120th over, Cummins bowled with Stokes at the other end. Stokes completed a double off the first ball whereas the second one was a dot ball. Stokes connected with his ramp shot in the third ball and cleared the boundary for a six.

Stokes hit the fourth ball of the over towards the leg side and called for two. The burly all-rounder slipped at the non-strikers end after completing the first run but the throw went to Leach's end, when he made his ground comfortably. Had the throw been at the striker's end, Ben Stokes could have been seen walking back with the Australian team winning the match.


#2 Josh Hazlewood concedes 19 runs off an over

Hazlewood bowled the next over with Stokes on strike. The pacer, who had earlier picked the all-important wicket of Joe Root, was smashed for a four and two sixes in the first three balls of his over.

Hazlewood's length was missing as Stokes cashed in on his loose bowling. The first ball was a length ball which went for a boundary. The next ball was a rare full-toss which Stokes scooped over deep square. The third ball was once again a length delivery which got smashed for another six. Hazlewood's over went for 19 runs as England needed 18 runs to win at the end of the over.

Also read – Ashes Highest Total chased

#3 Marcus Harris drops Stokes

Marcus Harris after dropping the catch
Marcus Harris after dropping the catch

With the game shifting in favour of England, Cummins continued his spell. His first ball was sliced to the third man by Stokes, with the hearts of English fans all around the world skipping a beat. Marcus Harris ran in from third man to complete the catch. He got his hands to the ball but spilled it.


#4 Nathan Lyon misses an easy run-out

England needed eight to win as Lyon bowled the 125th over. Lyon got smashed off his third ball for a six after he pitched the ball up to him.

Stokes reverse swept Lyons fifth ball towards the backward point which saw Jack Leach steering to the other end. Stokes said no as the throw came into Lyon at the nonstrikers end with Leach miles out. Lyon fumbled as he was unable to hit the wickets with Leach safely reaching back. Here's Lyon's missed chance:


#5 Australia fall short of reviews as Stokes survives

After the horrific fumble, Lyon had the opportunity to redeem himself as his next ball hit Stokes on his pads. It was a tight shout as Stokes looked out. The Australians had earlier wasted their DRS and consequently were left with no reviews.

Also read – Ashes Lowest total defended

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Edited by Aaditya Narayan