Ben Stokes’ magical knock at Headingley against Australia in 2019 defied all odds, as the England all-rounder, alongside No. 11 Jack Leach, pulled off one of the most improbable victories in Test history.

The innings was one of the major highlights of Stokes’ career, following his retirement announcement on Sunday.

England batter Tom Banton said Stokes had a huge impact on the game, and identified the Headingley epic as his favourite moment.

“His knock at Headingley, batting with my Somerset teammate Jack Leach, is something I’ll always remember. It’s something me and the Somerset boys always joke about with Jack Leach in the changing room,” Banton said in an online interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.

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Banton, who is part of the England squad that will take on India in the first T20I at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, has been closely following the rapid rise of young India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

“I try and watch every time Sooryavanshi plays – whether it’s in the IPL or with the India ‘A’ team in Sri Lanka. I think the most impressive thing is just how consistently he is doing it. He is obviously a special talent, and hopefully it continues for him,” Banton said.

The 27-year-old Banton added that he hoped Sooryavanshi “gets a go” at international cricket, allowing “the world to see what he can do”.

(Watch England vs. India live – 1st T20I on July 1, 2026, from 10:00 PM IST on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony Max)

Published on Jun 30, 2026