Top 3 Test knocks of this decade

#1 Ben Stokes 135* vs Australia, Leeds 2019

Ben Stokes

Arguably, this Ben Stokes masterclass has to be the innings of the decade. It was a game England had to win to stay in the series. Joe Root won the toss and had no hesitation in putting Australia to bat first. The Leeds pitch offered early movement to the English bowlers and Australia were bowled out for 179 in the first innings. Jofra Archer picked up six wickets to give England an early advantage.

England too struggled in their first innings and were rolled over for just 67 runs with Josh Hazlewood being the chief tormentor picking up 5 wickets. Australia had the momentum going into the 2nd innings with a lead of 112 runs. Marnus Labuschange held the Australian innings together and scored 80 runs to extend the lead. Australia ended their 2nd innings with 246 onboard to set England a challenging target of 359 runs.

England were 141 for 3 when Ben Stokes arrived at the crease. Stokes was running out of partners and England were staring down the barrel at 286 for 9. He then partnered with 11th man Jack Leach to pull off a stunning win for England. Needing further 73 runs to win with just one wicket in hand, Stokes's rearguard action helped England level the series. Stokes' knock was laced with 11 boundaries and 8 towering sixes. It was his 8th Test hundred and third in The Ashes against Australia.