Ben Stokes claimed he took himself to "dark places" during England's remarkable victory over India at Lord's after Shoaib Bashir secured the final wicket in the most extraordinary fashion.
The young spinner's delivery struck Mohammed Siraj's defensive shot, only for the ball to spin back and dislodge the bail.
The dramatic conclusion secured a 2-1 series advantage for Ben Stokes' side after five days of gripping Test cricket.
India had mounted a spirited fightback from 82 for seven, but their resistance was finally broken in heartbreaking circumstances.
England secured a thrilling Test victory over India in the most remarkable circumstances
GettyStokes delivered an extraordinary bowling performance that pushed him to physical and mental extremes.
The England captain revealed the depths of his determination in securing victory for his country.
"I thought I had taken myself to some pretty dark places before but today was... If bowling to win a Test for your country doesn't get you up, get you excited, then I don't know what does," Stokes said after being named player of the match.
JUST IN: England beat India in captivating Test match after extraordinary final wicket
Ben Stokes revealed after the match that he had taken himself to 'dark places'
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Despite his batting struggles, Stokes embraced his all-rounder role with fierce determination.
"The game was on the line and nothing was going to stop me bowling," he declared.
His two crucial spells yielded the vital wickets of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah.
The exhausted captain admitted: "I cannot wait to lie in my bed for four days."
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Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 61 from 181 deliveries epitomised India's refusal to surrender.
The all-rounder demonstrated extraordinary resilience, accumulating runs through singles while his team teetered at 82 for seven.
India captain Shubman Gill praised his team's fightback: "The way we went out in the position in the morning to make a comeback like this was tremendous from Ravindra Jadeja and the low order."
Siraj's dismissal proved particularly cruel, as the fast bowler defended solidly, but the ball bounced and spun back onto leg stump in devastating fashion.
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Shubman Gill described India's revival as 'tremendous' but it was an 'anti-climax'
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"An anti-climax for us the way Mohammed Siraj went," Gill acknowledged.
Despite the defeat, he expressed admiration for the contest: "When you play these kind of Test matches with both teams giving everything they have - there is always admiration at the end."
The fierce competition gave way to sporting grace as England players embraced the devastated Siraj following his dismissal.
The fourth Test at Old Trafford begins on 23 July, providing crucial recovery time for Stokes and his depleted side.
Questions remain over Jofra Archer's workload and whether Mark Wood and Brydon Carse will be rested.
Six years to the day after England's World Cup triumph at Lord's, Stokes and Archer have delivered another memorable victory at cricket's home.