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.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Simply the best .. #Stokes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 26, 2025

What a remarkable man Ben Stokes is

— Tom Holland (@holland_tom) July 26, 2025

Ben Stokes is the first England captain to make a century and take a five-wicket haul in a Test

— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) July 26, 2025

A fifer and a ton at Manchester. Ben Stokes: you’re spoiling us #ENGvIND

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) July 26, 2025

Ton up for skipper Stokes, after getting a 5fer in the previous innings 💯

His first in Test cricket in two years, in a series where he has been England’s best bowler as well, bowling long ass spells.

The man is part magic, part machine.

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) July 26, 2025

If Joe Root is the GOAT, Ben Stokes is the guy who defined modern Test Cricket.What a day! pic.twitter.com/T3SW3YH00G

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) July 26, 2025

You cannot do that, Ben Stokes! Never thought I’d see him get another Test century. He was looking like evolving into a specialist captain but this series he’s changed into the Stokes of old, don’t know how he’s managed it but seriously well played 👏

— Cricket Reformation (@CricketRef) July 26, 2025

Five wickets in an innings – his first after 2017
A quality Hundred in Manchester, Old Trafford – his first after 2023
Inspirational leadership

Ben Stokes – what a player! Genuine match-winner

Already a front-runner to be the Player of the Series!

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) July 26, 2025

A first Test hundred for two years for Ben Stokes, and the first time he has made a ton and taken a five-fer in the same Test. Only three others – Greig, Botham (five times!) and Atkinson have done that for England before.

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) July 26, 2025

Ben Stokes scores his maiden century against India in England #cricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/43cMW4RdS8

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 26, 2025

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