Ben Stokes Achieves 11,000 International Runs in Fourth Test Against India
Stokes Reaches Milestone in Fourth Test
Manchester [UK], July 26: England's captain Ben Stokes marked a significant milestone by surpassing 11,000 runs in his international career during the fourth Test against India, finishing Day 3 with an unbeaten score of 77.
At the close of play, England stood at 544/7, holding a lead of 186 runs.
Stokes has accumulated a total of 11,016 runs in 272 matches across all formats, boasting an average of 35.88, which includes 18 centuries and 61 half-centuries. He reached his fifty in the final session but had to leave the field briefly due to discomfort in his left leg.
However, Stokes returned to the crease and, alongside Liam Dawson (21*), ensured that England maintained their strong position.
Beginning the day at 225/2, England's Ollie Pope (20*) and Joe Root (11*) built a century partnership, following impressive performances from openers Ben Duckett (94 off 100 balls, including 13 fours) and Zak Crawley (84 off 113 balls, with 13 fours and a six). By the end of the first session, England had advanced to 332/2, with both openers having reached their fifties.
In the second session, Washington Sundar (2/57) dismissed Ollie Pope (71 off 128 balls, with seven fours) and Harry Brook (3), but Stokes and Root countered India's efforts, with Root achieving his 38th Test century and surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
England concluded the second session at 433/4, with both Stokes and Root still at the crease. During this period, Indian bowlers Siraj and Bumrah faced fitness challenges, with Bumrah managing only one over with the new ball.
Root was eventually dismissed by Jadeja for a commendable 150 off 248 balls, featuring 14 fours. Bumrah and Siraj quickly took out Jamie Smith (9) and Chris Woakes (4), leaving England at 528/7.
Earlier in the match, after winning the toss, England chose to bowl first, and India posted a total of 358 runs, with notable contributions from Sai Sudharsan (61 off 151 balls, with seven fours), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 107 balls, with ten fours and a six), and Rishabh Pant (54 off 75 balls, with three fours and two sixes). Stokes was instrumental with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 72 runs, consistently challenging India's batting lineup.