Ben Stokes turned back the clock in emphatic style on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester, by notching up a gritty century—his first in the format since his memorable ton against Australia at Lord’s nearly two years ago. The England captain, known for his all-round brilliance, displayed tremendous resilience as he guided England through a pivotal phase of the match.

Resuming on 77, Stokes continued his composed vigil at the crease alongside Joe Root, who had already reached his 38th Test hundred on Day 3. While battling physical fatigue and the Indian bowling attack, Stokes was briefly forced off the field due to cramps after the 116th over.
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However, true to his fighting spirit, he returned following Chris Woakes’ dismissal and carried on his innings with determination. The milestone moment arrived in the 146th over when Stokes brought up his 14th Test century with a classy leg glance off Mohammed Siraj.
The celebration was emotional—he removed his helmet, looked to the skies, and dedicated the moment to his late father, evoking a heartfelt response from the crowd. The entire stadium stood in applause, acknowledging not just the century but the journey behind it.
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With this performance, Stokes etched his name in the record books as only the fourth Englishman to achieve the double of a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test. He joined an exclusive club featuring Gus Atkinson, Tony Greig, and the legendary Ian Botham. Social media lit up with admiration as fans and cricketing legends alike praised Stokes for his remarkable all-round show at Old Trafford.
Ben Stokes becomes the fourth Englishman with a five-for and a hundred in the same Test 👏#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Y8vqynetE0
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) 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
Ben Stokes has now joined Sobers & Kallis as just the third player in Test history to score 7k runs & take 200 wickets.
A remarkable feat, delicious enough to annoy the right people. #EngvInd
— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) July 26, 2025
🚨 BEN STOKES – FIRST CAPTIAN IN 42 YEARS TO TAKE FIFER AND SCORE A HUNDRED IN THE SAME TEST. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/VIts9fsTdv
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 26, 2025
Virat Kohli was not wrong when he said his favourite cricketer is Ben stokes pic.twitter.com/KsviZqlbZx
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) July 26, 2025
Salty Indians will never accept the fact that Ben stokes is greatest all rounder and 2x better than Jadeja in terms of longevity and clutch performances pic.twitter.com/LlGV726b5J
— Rishi (@was_rishi) July 26, 2025
It probably won’t matter but this is laughable milestone batting from Stokes.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 26, 2025
I think all cricket fans agree on only one thing which is that Ben Stokes is a cool guy
— Aisha A (@landlawlahore) July 26, 2025
