Today, the BBC replay day 4 of last year’s third Ashes Test at Headingley. It is a wonderful opportunity to relive Ben Stokes’ brilliant 135no.
With all the present upheavals in our lives, last summer, now seems like a whole world away.
So, take in some therapeutic joy. Rewind and relive a roller coaster cricket ride and listen again to Ben play one of the great test innings.
Let’s remember, England were bowled out for 67 in their first innings.
The Australians were the probable favourites with England requiring 359 runs, their highest ever to win a test.
On the Third Day – The Making of History
Day 3 and England’s second innings started badly.
By the sixth over both openers were back in the pavilion. England were 15-2.
Straws were grasped as Joe Denly (55) and Joe Root built a partnership of 126 and took the score to 141.
By close of play England were 156-3 (Root 75no, Stokes 2no). The scene was set.
On the Forth Day – History is Made
Day 4, the rhythmic noise of the expectant Sunday crowd provides the soundtrack to the TMS commentary.
Joe is out for 77. Ben and David Bairstow take the score to 238-4 at lunch. England need 121 more runs to level the series.
After lunch Bairstow struggles, he is out for 36 with 114 runs still required.
Batters come and batters go. England are on the back foot, but still in the match. Australia are confident.
The curtain opens on the final scene. Australia need Ben’s wicket, England need Ben to stay at the crease.
Last batter Jack Leech (1no) and Ben come together. Isa Guha in commentary says Ben “still believes.” The scorecard says she was right.
This TMS replay is a wonderful chance to relive a day of expectation and tension. It is also the second time, in a few weeks, that Ben grabbed hold of the key moment in a crucial match and claimed it for himself and England.
You can listen to the fourth day on the BBC Cricket page now.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)