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It is nine days since Ben Stokes hit a remarkable 135 not out to win the third test of the Ashes series at Headingley, and as he prepares for the next instalment, Australia captain Tim Paine said thoughts of how to outwit the England batsman keep him awake at night.
England were nine wickets down with 73 runs required before Stokes’ swashbuckling innings almost single-handedly kept England in the series and denied Australia a win that would have ensured the tourists retained the Ashes.
Questions have been asked of Paine’s decisions in the decisive final hours of that test. But asked whether he fears Stokes’ feat may hang over his captaincy in the way that all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff impacted previous Aussie skippers, Paine said his concern was more basic.
“Nah, I haven’t lost a hell of a lot of sleep thinking about my captaincy. But I have lost a bit of sleep thinking how we’re going to get him out, that’s for sure,” he said.
“He’s a class player, and he’s really confident at the moment. He’s going well. Like I said, we’ve got some plans for him – but we’ve just got to execute them a bit better,” he said.
Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in picturesShow all 100 1 /100Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The glorious story of one of the most sensational innings in the history of Test cricket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes came out to bat with England at 141-3, after the fall of Joe Denly.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes had to defend just about every delivery until the close of play on day three.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Joe Root and Ben Stokes of England walk form the ground at stumps during day three.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The pair leave the field.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes of England is struck on the helmet by Josh Hazlewood at the start of day four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The damage to his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The vicious blow knocked out Stokes' stem guards.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures A close-up of the delivery.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The ball thumped into his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment to compose himself.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes inspects his helmet after being hit.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes collects a piece of his broken helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes receives some help in piecing together his helmet.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The delivery caused his helmet to break.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pieces fly off of the helmet of England's Ben Stokes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes was lucky not to lose his wicket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Australia's James Pattinson (centre) reacts as England's Ben Stokes (left) runs past.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes cuts a ball to the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes faced an incredible 219 deliveries.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate after England's Ben Stokes hits four runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Pat Cummins of Australia is hit for six runs by Ben Stokes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England batsman Ben Stokes pulls a ball from Cummins for 6 runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes blocks a low delivery.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes ducks a high ball.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He sets off for a quick single.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow of England take a break.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes, centre, and Jonny Bairstow walk on after lunch.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow eventually fell for 36.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's hopes looked slim after Bairstow fell.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Bairstow's dismissal left England 245-5.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He gets his bat to a bouncer.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's Ben Stokes gestures before Jos Buttler is run out.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jorfa Archer replaced Chris Woakes at the crease with England 261-7.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Archer eventually fell for 15, with England 286-8.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stuart Broad replaced Archer at the crease.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in batting action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Fans celebrate Stokes going on the attack.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits for four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes looks to the heavens.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes hits a ball for 6 runs watched by Tim Paine.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets on the front foot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The Australians were in the batsman's ear all day.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action,
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures With Jack Leach at the crease England had to be on the lookout for quick singles.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes gets down on one knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England reverse sweeps for six watched on by Tim Paine.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The sublime shot flew over the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes reacts after being struck on the knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He again tries the reverse sweep.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a reverse sweep for six.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes takes a moment.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He reacts after being struck on the knee.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays a shot.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England edged towards their mammoth target.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on his bat.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates his century in extremely muted fashion.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures At this point Stokes didn't think he had an awful lot to celebrate.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He pinches a single as Tim Paine looks on.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's two batsmen touch gloves.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes plays another attacking shot...
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... which sends the Headingley crowd wild.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes turns for a second run.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures David Warner fails to stop the ball before the boundary.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes in action.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The 28-year-old hits a four.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He could barely watch Jack Leach at the other end of the wicket.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marnus Labuschagne fails to stop a six.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Marcus Harris missed a catch.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates winning the third Test for England.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He roars to the heavens...
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures ... and Headingley roars with him.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Walking off the field of play triumphant.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He looked as though he could barely believe his achievement.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates victory.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach celebrate.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The two men celebrate England's win.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates hitting the winning runs.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He walks off the field of play.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes and Leach greet one another.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The winning moment.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures England's squad rush to congratulate their hero.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes lifts his bat.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And looks stunned to have won.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes of England walks from the ground on 135 not out.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures The hero.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He was at the crease for 330 minutes.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures He faced 219 deliveries.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes is mobbed.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jason Roy and Joe Root greet England's match winner.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures And Jofra Archer steals a cheeky hug.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes leans on Stuart Broad for support.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Stokes celebrates with teammate Jonathan Bairstow.
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Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Ben Stokes’ sensational innings in pictures Jos Buttler grabs the match winner.
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Paine believed spinner Nathan Lyon has troubled Stokes at various times, but he has urged his fielders to provide better support than they did at Headingley.
“I think Nathan has actually bowled really well to him. He’s created a number of chances each time he’s bowled to him.
“But the other side of it is we hold our chances when Nathan is bowling to him. If we can do that, I think he can open the game up for us through that middle order. The last two tests in particular, we’ve let Nathan down a bit with our fielding,” he said.
Paine did however engage in some self-criticism about the way the last test got away from his side.
“We made some mistakes, it happens. We have addressed it as a team and spoken about it honestly. I was certainly one of those people who made mistakes. I would have done some things differently with my field placings,” he said.
“There were times, looking back at it, where it was obvious I should have had the field up and allowed Ben to hit a couple of boundaries so we had more balls at the tailender (Jack Leach).
“That’s the main thing I would have done differently. It happens in cricket and we have moved on, learnt from it, and we are ready for another great test match.”
Reuters
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