• Ben Stokes has delivered an extraordinary all-round performance on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester.

  • England's Test captain Stokes showcased his immense mental fortitude by reaching his 14th Test hundred on fourth day.

ENG vs IND: Fans erupt as Ben Stokes makes history with powerful century vs India on Day 4 of fourth Test in Manchester
Ben Stokes (Image Source: X)

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Ben Stokes, England‘s Test captain, has delivered an extraordinary all-round performance on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. His gritty century, following a five-wicket haul in India‘s first innings, has not only firmly put England in command of the match but also rewritten several pages in the record books. Stokes’ remarkable display of resilience and skill, overcoming cramps from the previous day, showcased his pivotal role for England and highlights his standing as one of the game’s elite all-rounders in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Ben Stokes’ resilient century seals England’s dominance over India

England’s Test captain Stokes showcased his immense mental fortitude and batting prowess by reaching his 14th Test hundred on Day 4, his second against India. Resuming on his overnight score of 77, after retiring hurt on Day 3 due to cramps at 66 runs (which marked his maiden fifty-plus score across 11 Test innings), Stokes fought through discomfort to convert his start into a magnificent century. This crucial knock further solidified England’s formidable position, extending their already strong lead over India’s first-innings total of 358.

On Day 3, Stokes had already played a significant role by sharing a massive 142-run partnership with Joe Root, helping to build England’s commanding advantage. While on the fourth day he completed his hundred by gliding the ball towards fine leg for four on third delivery of 146th over of England’s first innings. His ability to return to the crease and score a century, despite the physical challenge and a two-year drought without a Test hundred, highlights his exceptional character and leadership, providing a strong backbone to England’s innings as they seek to bat India out of the match.

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Historic all-round feat etches Stokes’ name in record books

Stokes’ performance in this Test has been truly historic, marking him as the first England skipper to register both a five-wicket haul and a century in the same Test match. He had earlier been the standout bowler in India’s first innings, claiming five wickets for 72 runs. This remarkable all-round effort places him in an exclusive club of England captains, with only Stanley Jackson (1905 vs Australia) and Gubby Allen (1936 vs Australia) having achieved a five-wicket haul and scored over 50 runs in a single Test.

Furthermore, Stokes is now only the fourth England all-rounder to achieve the prestigious double of a hundred and a five-wicket haul in the same Test, joining the legendary figures of Ian Botham (who achieved it 5 times), Tony Greig (once), and Gus Atkinson (once). On a global scale, he joins an elite list of designated captains, Denis Atkinson (West Indies), Garry Sobers (West Indies), Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan) and Imran Khan (Pakistan), who have accomplished this rare feat. Beyond this specific match, Stokes is also the leading wicket-taker in the current series, with an impressive 16 wickets at an average of 24.75, underscoring his comprehensive impact across all facets of the game.

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