Stokes unleashed a panoramic assault on the Australian bowlers, smashing a powerful 155 runs.
Stokes’ aggressive batting, together with 9 sixes and 9 fours, raised hopes of a repeat of his memorable match-winning efficiency towards Australia at Headingley 4 years in the past.
However, Stokes’ valiant efforts had been finally in useless.
When England wanted 70 runs for victory, he skied a supply from Josh Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who had earlier stumped Jonny Bairstow for 10 in a controversial method, as Bairstow had momentarily left his crease.
The crowd voiced their disapproval with loud boos, however Stokes responded by launching three consecutive sixes off Cameron Green’s bowling to achieve his century.
At lunch, he remained unbeaten on 108, with England requiring one other 128 runs to degree the collection.
Stokes continued his aggressive onslaught after the break, hitting Hazlewood for a six and surviving a dropped catch by Steve Smith at deep sq. leg. The crowd erupted in delight when Smith, identified for his secure fielding, let the ball slip out of his grasp.
As Mitchell Starc returned to the assault, Stokes welcomed him with two extra maximums, constructing a outstanding century partnership for the seventh wicket with Stuart Broad, who contributed 11 runs to the partnership.
The England quick bowler performed a key function because the drama grew, surviving a collection of short-pitched deliveries and making an attempt to rile Carey at each alternative by holding his bat within the crease on the finish of the over and staring intently on the stumps.
Stokes dabbed Green for 2 to move 150 off 197 balls earlier than trying to clear the ropes once more and giving Carey a easy catch earlier than leaving the sector to a standing ovation.
Australia’s reduction was palpable and the top got here shortly.
Ollie Robinson was caught by Smith off Pat Cummins for one, and Broad’s lengthy vigil ended when he was pouched within the deep by Green off Hazlewood for 11.
Josh Tongue and James Anderson gamely added an unlikely 27 runs, however Hazlewood bowled the previous for 19 to dismiss England for 327 and seal victory for the Australians who celebrated gleefully as they walked off to extra boos from the gang on the dwelling of cricket.
Ben Duckett earlier contributed a elegant 83, sharing a superb partnership of 132 with Stokes to tug England again into the match after that they had slumped to 45-4 on Saturday.
After two pulsating matches, Australia have a agency grip on the Ashes with England needing to win the remaining three video games of the collection to take again the urn.
The third Test at Headingley begins on Thursday.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com