Ben Stokes said his heroic Ashes knock was fuelled by a "knock-off Nando's" and two chocolate bars. (LEEDS TEST HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD)
The all-rounder played one of the great Test innings as England levelled the five-match series against Australia with a highly unlikely one-wicket victory at Headingley on Day 4 on Sunday (August 26).
Stokes was the catalyst for success with a mesmeric 135 not out as England won despite having made just 67 in the first innings and slipped to 286-9 in the second. (CRICKET NEWS)
On Saturday, Stokes was required to bowl for extended spells due to cramp for Jofra Archer before making two off 50 balls to close out a difficult final session alongside Joe Root – whose own century partnership with Joe Denly was also crucial to victory.
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Prior to that day's play Stokes was refuelling by tucking into some pasta, but ahead of one of the greatest innings of his life he went for a different tack to increase the energy levels by indulging in some piri-piri chicken.
"My wife and kids came down [on Friday]. They got to their hotel about 10 o'clock. My wife walked in to me eating pasta in my boxer shorts!" Stokes said.
"Last night...I think I had like a knock-off Nando's and two bars of Yorkie Biscuit and Raisin."
A determined Stokes did not celebrate making his fifty or century in Leeds as is the traditional custom in cricket.
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Stokes explained that in the context of the match those achievements meant nothing, such was the perilous position England faced.
"I looked at the bigger picture. There was still a lot of runs to get. Personal milestones, especially in that situation, mean absolutely nothing," he added.
"There was still a lot more runs to get. I was not bothered about how many runs I was on, it was all about making sure we got over the line. I did not really care to be honest."
