England, leading 2-1 in the five-match Test series, entered the Manchester Test with momentum on their side. What followed was a cricketing masterclass, as Stokes made history with an extraordinary all-round display, while Root climbed to second place on the list of highest run-scorers in Test history.
🔥 Ben Stokes: England’s Relentless All-Round Leader
When you think of modern-day Test match warriors, Ben Stokes tops the list. In the 4th Test, he became the first England captain ever to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same match — a rare feat achieved by only four other captains globally.
🎯 Stokes’ Bowling Masterclass
Stokes started the match with the ball and made an immediate impact in India’s first innings. He bowled 24 overs, picking up 5 wickets for 72 runs, including:
- Shubman Gill (lbw for 12)
- Sai Sudharsan (caught for 61)
- Shardul Thakur (caught for 41)
- Washington Sundar (caught for 27)
- Anshul Kamboj (caught for 0)
His accurate, attacking bowling helped England limit India to 358, swinging the momentum in England’s favor early in the match.
💯 A Gritty, Game-Changing Century
Stokes continued his brilliance with the bat, scoring a magnificent 141 runs off 198 balls. His innings included 11 boundaries and 3 sixes, and came at a time when England needed to capitalize on their bowling dominance.
- He batted with confidence and control, leading from the front.
- His century was his first since the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s.
- Despite suffering a hamstring injury, Stokes returned to the crease and continued batting before finally falling at 658 for 9.
This performance not only helped England post a massive first-innings total of 669 but also inspired the team with his unmatched determination and leadership.
📊 Historic Milestone
Stokes joined an elite group of captains who have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same Test match. Only four other captains have done this before:
- Denis Atkinson (West Indies, 1955)
- Garry Sobers (West Indies, 1966)
- Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan, 1977)
- Imran Khan (Pakistan, 1983)
He also became only the fourth English cricketer to achieve this double, after Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson — but Stokes is the first to do so as captain.
🏆 Joe Root: Breaking Records and Building Legacy
While Stokes stunned fans with his all-round brilliance, Joe Root continued his journey toward batting immortality. Already England’s leading Test run-scorer, Root added another major milestone to his glittering career during the 4th Test.
📈 Root’s Century and Historic Leap
Root scored a classy 150 off 248 balls, hitting 14 fours at a strike rate of 60.48. He was dismissed stumped off Ravindra Jadeja at 499 for 5, but by then, the damage had been done.
In the process, Root:
- Surpassed Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in the all-time Test run-scorers list.
- Climbed to second place, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs.
- Reaffirmed his status as one of the finest Test batters in the game’s history.
Root's ability to anchor an innings and build long partnerships was once again on display, and his calm presence at the crease added immense value to England’s massive total.
🗣️ Tributes and Applause
Cricket experts and fans alike showered praise on Root. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, commentating live, watched as Root passed his own career tally.
@NatalieGermanos on X summarized it best:
"Joe Root moves into 2nd place on the all-time Test runs list. We are privileged to watch such a brilliant and wonderfully humble player. #ENGvIND"
🏟️ Match Context: England's Domination at Old Trafford
Heading into the 4th Test, England had a 2-1 series lead and were looking to seal the series. Winning the toss and opting to bat first proved to be a wise decision. The first innings saw standout performances across the board:
- Ben Stokes – 141
- Joe Root – 150
- Ben Duckett – 94
- Zak Crawley – 84
- Ollie Pope – 71
England’s first-innings total of 669 put immense pressure on India.
India responded with 358 in their first innings, and at stumps on Day 4, they were 174 for 2 in the second innings, with KL Rahul (87)* and Shubman Gill (78)* holding the fort. However, India still trailed by 137 runs, with only one day left to play.
🧠 Legacy and Long-Term Impact
Ben Stokes: A Modern-Day Giant
- Stokes’ feat of a century and five-wicket haul in the same match as captain solidifies his place among the greatest all-rounders in Test history.
- His leadership, commitment, and ability to inspire his team have been crucial in England’s resurgence in red-ball cricket.
Joe Root: A Batting Icon
- Root’s climb to second on the all-time run-scorers list highlights his consistency and class over a long career.
- With age still on his side, breaking Tendulkar’s record may no longer be a far-fetched dream.
Together, Stokes and Root have become the pillars of English Test cricket, delivering when it matters most and inspiring a generation of fans and young cricketers alike.
📣 Final Verdict: England in the Driver's Seat
As the 4th Test heads into Day 5, the match is still alive — but England clearly has the upper hand. With a commanding lead, pressure on India’s batters, and a fired-up bowling attack, the hosts are poised to clinch the series 3-1 unless India pulls off a miraculous comeback.
No matter the final outcome, this Test will be remembered for the unforgettable brilliance of Ben Stokes and Joe Root — two legends rising to the occasion on one of Test cricket’s biggest stages. 🏏🔥
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