Ben Stokes said his incredible third Test-saving innings against Australia was close to being as special as his one that helped England win the World Cup.

Stokes scored an incredible 135 not out to steer England to an unlikely one wicket victory at Headingley on Sunday and keep their hopes of winning the Ashes alive.

The series now sits at 1-1 with two Tests remaining.

Stokes’ heroics echoed those in the World Cup final last month when he scored 84 not out, including two sixes in the final over, to tie the game against New Zealand.

He then batted in the super over with Jos Buttler, as England won the match on the boundary count back rule, earning Stokes the man of the match for the second time in the tournament.

Asked if his innings was better than the World Cup final, Stokes said: “It’s certainly close. Walking off there at the end when the whole of Headingley was standing up and celebrating was a very special moment and something I had to try and take in as I think moments like that don’t come around very often.

“It was an amazing game to be a part of. To be there at the end and to still keep our Ashes hopes alive was a pretty special feeling there coming off at the end.”