'Sat and watched the entire Stokes and Jack Leach partnership' - Justin Langer recalls how Australia overcame 2019 Headingley loss

Ben Stokes' remarkable performance at Headingley in 2019 stands among cricket's most audacious and brilliant innings. With unparalleled skill, he single-handedly led England to a historic victory over Australia, leaving an indelible mark on cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

The impact of Stokes' innings extended far beyond the cricket field. Former Australian coach Justin Langer revealed that he made his team watch the Stokes-Leach partnership video after the heartbreaking Headingley defeat in the 2019 Ashes series. Langer's unorthodox decision aimed to confront disappointment head-on, and proved effective in galvanizing the team.

In a column for The Telegraph, Langer shared his perspective on the matter. He explained that he wanted his team to confront the situation directly, even if it meant stepping out of their comfort zones. Langer's unconventional approach proved effective in galvanizing the team and instilling a fighting spirit. 

“After Ben Stokes’ heroics at Headingley in 2019, I clearly remember a sleepless night, not uncommon for a coach. Much to the chagrin of most of the players, the next morning we sat in the hotel boardroom and watched the entire Stokes and Jack Leach partnership on video. You could cut the air with a knife,” Langer said.

The Headingley Test became a turning point in the 2019 Ashes series, enabling England to level the series after a loss and a draw in the first two Tests. It reignited England's hopes of regaining the Ashes and set the stage for future battles.

In that match, England's first innings disappointment, with a mere 67 runs, set the stage for a seemingly bleak outcome. However, Stokes defied all odds and embarked on a heroic journey. His extraordinary knock of 135 runs off just 219 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes, transformed the game.

Batting with Jack Leach, Stokes forged a miraculous last-wicket partnership of 76 runs, where Leach contributed only 1 run. This incredible display of resilience and talent propelled England to an improbable triumph that left the cricketing world in awe.

Looking ahead at the ongoing Ashes series, Australia currently lead 2-1. The fourth Test match is set to take place at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester from July 19th. Both teams will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the historic Headingley encounter as they battle for cricketing supremacy once again.