Stokes revives the ghost of Botham

Ben Stokes blasts a match-winning century emulating Ian Botham’s performance in 1981.

England batsman Ben Stokes hits a ball for 6 runs watched by Tim Paine during day four of the 3rd Ashes Test Match. Picture: Getty

England’s cricketing superman Ben Stokes blasted a match-winning century early today, pulling off another Headingley miracle to prevent the Australians retaining the Ashes in the third Test.

The World Cup-winning hero belted 135 runs, dominating a nerve-racking 76-run last-wicket stand with spinner Jack Leach to win the Test and level the series 1-1 with two matches to play.

Stokes blasted 19 boundaries, including eight sixes, emulating Ian Botham’s performance to record an against-the-odds victory against the Australians in 1981. The allrounder was dropped at fine leg in the final moments of the match after offering a difficult chance to Marcus Harris.

Nathan Lyon fumbled a runout chance with England needing only two runs and an lbw decision against Stokes was turned down.

After being skittled for only 67 runs in the first innings, England was 3-156 at the start of the day’s play, needing another 203 runs in their second innings to pull off an improbable victory.

The Australians are fighting to become the first team since Steve Waugh’s famous 2001 touring side to retain the Ashes in England.

At lunch the home side needed just 121 for victory and still had six wickets in hand. But Australia dug deep after the break, aided by a disastrous mix-up between Stokes and Jos Buttler that resulted in the latter being run out by Travis Head, who then took a well judged catch on the boundary to remove Jofra Archer.

The Australians will be boosted by the news that Steve Smith is expected to participate in Thursday’s tour match against Derbyshire. The batsman, who was averaging 126, is recovering from a concussion that saw him withdrawn from the game at Lord’s and miss the Third Test. England are anticipating veteran fast bowler James Anderson to return from a calf injury for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.

David Warner has not had the best series with the bat, but his ­incredible catching at first slip seemingly put Australia in a matchwinning position.

Root was on 77 when a delivery from Nathan Lyon caught the ­inside edge and flew over the head of Tim Paine. Warner dived full length to intercept the ball behind the wicketkeeper.