For England fans Headingley holds a special place in their hearts when it comes to matches against Australia. It was here in 2019 that Ben Stokes also single-handedly batted them to victory against the old enemy.
And, in doing so, he evoked memories of an even more lauded performance by another great England all-rounder, Ian Botham, 38 years ago.
Botham had not gone into the third Test in a good place. He had begun the summer as England captain, but stood down after having lost the first Test and drawn the second, to be replaced by Mike Brearley.
Some commentators had even been dropped for the Headingley Test, but he kept his place. Australia won the toss, batted, and declared on 401/9, John Dyson making 102, captain Kim Hughes 89 and Graham Yallop 58. Botham was the best of the England bowlers with 6-95.
England were soon in trouble when it was their turn to bat. Despite Botham making 50, they were all out for 174, and were invited to follow on.
Again, they were deep in trouble at 205/5 when Botham came out to bat. They seemed to be staring an innings defeat in the face. So unrealistic were their chances of winning that Ladbrokes offered 500:1 against an England win, odds that the Australian pair of Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh took.
What happened next became the stuff of legend. With little left to lose and only the tail for company, Botham decided to counterattack. With fast bowler Graham Dilley, he put on 117 for the eighth wicket. And, after Dilley went for 56, he added 67 more with Chris Old, and 37 more with last man Bob Willis, of which made only two.
England reached 356, Botham making an unbeaten 149, scored off almost as many balls, with 27 fours and a six.
The odds were still stacked in Australia’s favour as they needed only 130 to win. But, after Botham got things rolling with the first wicket, Willis, having switched ends, took over.
He took 8-43 as the Australian resistance crumbled and they were bowled out for 111. England had won by 18 runs.
Botham became a national hero overnight. Willis, who played such a key role in the victory, saw his contribution largely overlooked, something he always resented.