Australia's 'outstanding' act after heartbreaking Ashes loss
Australia felt all the highs and lows of Test cricket at Headingley after falling from the cusp of retaining the Ashes to losing the Third Test in heartbreaking fashion.
Ben Stokes’ century in the face of adversity helped England level the series and the all-rounder couldn’t contain his excitement after the highest run chase in Test cricket history.
While the Aussies might be reeling from letting the urn slip from their grasp, the team was praised for their sportsmanship despite the devastating loss.
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“The sportsmanship of the Australians was outstanding,” Alan Biggs wrote on Twitter.
“Those scenes at the end were all the more special for the way Ben Stokes and Jack Leach were congratulated personally by every (gutted) Aussie.”
Others at the ground and on social media also praised the Aussies for their sportsmanship after the game.
Let it be said - loudly - that the sportsmanship of the Australians was outstanding. Those scenes at the end were all the more special for the way Ben Stokes & Jack Leach were congratulated personally by every (gutted) Aussie 👏👍 #Ashes
— Alan Biggs (@AlanBiggs1) August 25, 2019
I admire Tim Paine's decency and sportsmanship #ashes
— Holly Byrnes (@byrnesh) August 25, 2019
What a knock from @benstokes38. The best innings I’ve ever witnessed. A bit of a kick in the chuff that it wasn’t on terrestrial TV but I suppose the ECB love Murdoch’s cash. The sportsmanship of the Aussie team at the end was also immense. Sport at its best. #ENGvAUS #Ashes
— Sean Cayford (@SeanCayford) August 25, 2019
Wow wow wow. @benstokes38
Great sportsmanship by the Ossies at the end#Ashes #Ashes2019— Lee C (@LRC_1978) August 25, 2019
Stokes’ all-time knock
Stokes once again made the unprecedented and unbelievable look easy, reeling in a record-breaking target of 359 to win the third Test by one wicket and rock Australia's hopes of retaining the Ashes.
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The tourists came agonisingly close to a 2-0 series lead, which would have ensured Tim Paine became the first touring captain to retain the urn in England since 2001.
Australia, devoid of morale and momentum after Stokes' unbeaten 135 meant England completed their highest chase in Test history, must instead reset with this week's tour game in Derby before the five-Test series continues at Old Trafford on Wednesday week.
with AAP