Stokes Achieves Rare Feat in Test Match

MANCHESTER: England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, delivered an extraordinary all-around display in the ongoing Test match at Old Trafford, securing his place among cricket’s elite performers.

Stokes showcased his prowess by notching a remarkable 141 runs—his first century in a Test match in over two years—while also claiming a five-wicket haul in the same contest. This performance has significantly bolstered England’s position against India.

This accomplishment makes Stokes only the fourth English cricketer to achieve the combination of a century and five wickets in a single Test, following in the footsteps of Tony Greig, Ian Botham (who accomplished it five times), and Gus Atkinson.

His innings of 141, which included 11 boundaries and three sixes, was instrumental in England reaching a total of 669, their fifth-highest in Test history, providing them with a substantial 311-run advantage after the first innings.

Previously, Stokes had initiated India’s batting collapse, securing figures of 5 for 72, underscoring his continuous influence with the ball.

These all-around heroics place him alongside legendary figures like Jacques Kallis and Garry Sobers, establishing him as only the third player in Test cricket history to reach the milestone of 7,000 runs and 200 wickets.

Players with 7,000+ Runs & 200+ Wickets in Tests:

Resuming on Day 4 at 77*, Stokes enthralled the Manchester spectators with his aggressive style. His 14th Test century was celebrated with emotion, as he looked toward the sky, clenched his fist, and made a specific finger gesture as a tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes.

At the close of Day 4, India stood at 174/2, still trailing by 137 runs, largely due to an unbroken 174-run partnership between Shubman Gill (87*) and KL Rahul (78*). Their resilience came after Chris Woakes dismissed both of India’s opening batsmen for no score in the initial over.

Earlier, England resumed from 544/7; however, Jasprit Bumrah quickly dismissed Liam Dawson. Nevertheless, Stokes (141) and Brydon Carse (47) added 93 runs for the ninth wicket, frustrating India.

Ravindra Jadeja eventually ended the resistance, taking both wickets to finish with 4/143. Washington Sundar and Bumrah each claimed two wickets, while Anshul Kamboj and Mohammed Siraj took one each. India now relies on Rahul and Gill to close the remaining gap on the final day at Old Trafford.