Ben Stokes hailed for ‘amazing innings’ as England captain rescued his side in Ashes third Test

Moeen Ali hailed Ben Stokes for keeping England in the Ashes – and then backed his captain to produce more Headingley heroics this weekend.

Skipper Stokes shrugged off a glute injury to hit five sixes in a stunning knock of 80 yesterday, rescuing his side from 142 for seven to 237 all out in the third Test, a first-innings deficit of just 26.

Moeen then took the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith as Australia closed the second day on 116 for four, a lead of just 142, giving England hope of clawing the series back to 2-1.

‘At one point we were struggling with the bat, then Stokesy played an amazing innings,’ admitted Moeen. ‘He took over and did what he has been doing for a long time. He put us in a position where we still have a great chance.

‘There is so much he is dealing with. His body has been through a lot. There is a lot more than he is showing. But as long as he is batting well, he is fine. He thrives off those situations.’

Moeen Ali hailed Stokes for keeping England in the Ashes and backed him to kick on 

Moeen said that Stokes ‘took over and did what he has been doing for a long time’

Stokes’ innings came just five days after his 155 in a losing cause at Lord’s, and on the ground where he famously hit a match-winning 135 as England chased 359 to win the third Ashes Test in 2019.

‘Against Australia, he has done it a couple of times now,’ said Moeen. ‘As long as he is there, you have always got a great chance of winning.

‘But we can’t rely on him all the time. We have other very good and dangerous players and we just need to come to the party as well as Ben.’

Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitted: ‘When Ben Stokes is there, you are never in total control. We have seen that over a period of time. We have to work out a way to navigate through Ben in the second innings.’

Moeen, meanwhile, became just the third England spinner to take 200 Test wickets when he had Smith caught by Ben Duckett at midwicket.

‘I am pleased with 200 wickets,’ said Moeen, who missed the last Test at Lord’s with a finger issue. ‘My wickets were gifted, but I think I bowled nicely. We are really pleased to be in the game and still have a good chance.’

Smith was involved in a heated altercation with Jonny Bairstow following his dismissal, pointing angrily at the England wicketkeeper, who had given him a send-off.

‘I didn’t know about it until Jonny said, “All I said was, “Cheers Smudge”,’ added Moeen. ‘I was celebrating so I didn’t really see.’

McDonald added: ‘I didn’t notice him snap back around. In terms of his shot, whenever it’s high pressure, there will always be errors, and that is what happened with Steve.’