Ben Stokes Shines with Century and Five Wickets in Manchester Test Against India

In a thrilling display at Old Trafford, England's Test captain Ben Stokes scored a magnificent 141 runs and took five wickets against India in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. This performance not only earned him the Player of the Match title but also marked his entry into an elite group of all-rounders with over 7,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test history. Stokes reflects on his journey and contributions to the team, emphasizing the importance of impactful performances. Discover more about his remarkable achievements and the challenges he faced during the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2025, 03:33 IST

Stokes' Stellar Performance in the Fourth Test

Manchester [UK], July 28: England's Test captain Ben Stokes reflected on his impressive batting display during Day 4 of the fourth Test in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against India, held at Old Trafford.

Stokes delivered a remarkable innings, scoring 141 runs off 198 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title, marking his second consecutive award in this series, following a brilliant five-wicket haul.

In the post-match press conference, Stokes remarked, “I don’t usually focus on overall statistics. I believe I’ve been improving gradually. Even last week at Lord’s, I scored 70 runs, but it’s about the moments I find myself in. I’ve managed to apply myself effectively and spend crucial time at the crease, which has helped me secure important runs.”

He continued, “This week, I’ve had a good game as an all-rounder, but I felt more accomplished last week when I had three wickets and two wickets, along with scores of 30 and 40.”

“Now, I’m here with 140 runs and six wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul. I evaluate my contributions based on the results and how they influence the game, aiming to help us secure victories,” he added.

Earlier in the match, Stokes celebrated reaching 7,000 Test runs with a spectacular six on Day 4.

In his Test career, Stokes has amassed 7,032 runs in 115 matches, averaging 35.69, with 14 centuries and 35 fifties across 206 innings, boasting a highest score of 258.

With this achievement, he became only the third all-rounder in Test history to reach the milestone of 7,000 runs and 200 wickets, joining legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis, as noted by the ICC.

Stokes had previously claimed his 200th Test wicket last year at Lord’s against the West Indies. His century against India was particularly significant, as it marked the end of a two-year wait for a Test hundred, with his last coming during the Ashes in July 2023.

The 34-year-old displayed remarkable resilience, battling through cramps on Day 3 and briefly leaving the field before returning to bat after Jamie Smith's dismissal.