Joe Root ecstatic with ‘outrageous’ Stokes and ‘incredible’ Leach

England captain Joe Root overflowed with jubilation after his a last-wicket stand of 76 inspired England to victory at Headingley, and gave Root his first Ashes win as captain.
On a dramatic day of Test cricket up there with anything 2005 had to offer, England regained parity in the series after they completed their highest ever run chase in Tests (359) to defeat Australia in Leeds.
Ben Stokes was once again the leading man in the show – his 11 fours and eight sixes thrusting England to victory in red-hot temperatures.
The final hour of play rivalled the epic World Cup final in terms of drama, with Australia coming just inches away from taking the final wicket on a number of occasions.
Catches were dropped, sixes cleared the rope by mere inches and trusty old umpire Joel Wilson even offered a helping hand as Leach survived an LBW scare with England needing single figure runs to win at the time.
READ: Ben Stokes reacts to England’s greatest ever Test run-chase
READ: Paine rues missed opportunities; hails Stokes’ greatest ever Test innings
Speaking after the match, the winning captain Joe Root said: “We said at the start of the day, ‘we just have to believe’ and while two people are alive and breathing, we have a chance.
“We’ve seen some freakish things already this summer in the World Cup but I didn’t think we’d see something similar in this series.
“It was an incredible game of cricket, an incredible atmosphere and Test cricket is alive and kicking. This Ashes is alive and kicking.”
Asked about Stokes’ display, he said: “That was just incredible. To try and sum that up in words is pretty much impossible. Outrageous batting.”
Jack Leach once again proved stern in his desire to remain a tough out. The tailender contributed just one run in the 76-run partnership, but ably saw off the Australian seamers when called into action.
Speaking on the role Leach played, Root said: “The fact that he is so calm to be able to take off his glasses and clean them between balls, he’s very much in the moment and he was a big part of that partnership.
“It takes two guys, regardless of how big a role you play, you’ve both got to be in it and he certainly did a fantastic job. I’m still trying to get my head around it. Amazing.”
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
News
England captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
News
Heather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
News
Stuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.