'F***ing don't care': Ben Stokes' epic reaction to Ashes heroics

Ben Stokes has run the risk of copping a fine from the England Cricket Board after his remarkable knock to secure victory in the third Ashes Test.

Stokes couldn’t contain his excitement after steering England to their highest run chase in Test cricket history, taking to social media with an R-rated tweet.

“I f***ing (don’t care if I get fined) love Test Match Cricket and I love englandcricket #ashes @jackleach1991 is a legend,” he posted after his epic knock.

The tweet had been retweeted nearly 5000 times by Monday lunch time.

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.

England’s insane history

England, skittled for 67 in their first dig, required 73 runs from Stokes and Jack Leach's final-wicket stand after a collapse of 5-41 on a topsy-turvy fourth day at Headingley.

Leach scored a single run as Stokes outdid Ian Botham's 1981 Ashes heroics, hogging strike during a six-hitting rampage that featured a couple of chances.

"I wouldn't say we were rattled. No doubt there was pressure," a gutted Paine said.

"It was close, tight. The crowd was loud, that was as hard as it gets for a touring side. Sometimes people make mistakes and we made a couple.

"It cost us the Test match. That and an unbelievable innings.

"We have time now to make sure we stick together, bounce back ... we've been in a position to win every Test in the series.

"We're doing something right, we have to keep believing in that."

The result is a hammer blow to Australia's confidence given pundits were calling for Joe Root to step down as captain after England's shambolic collapse on day two.

Since 1888, no team has won a Test after being bowled out for less than 70.

"It's unbelievable," Stokes said.

"I have to take it all in. I'm not sure that will ever happen again."

with AAP