On a gripping Day 2 of the 4th Test between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, Ben Stokes delivered a bowling performance that will be etched in cricket history. The England captain Ben Stokes claimed his first five-wicket haul as skipper, finishing with figures of 5/72, and in doing so, joined an elite group of all-rounders, cementing his status as one of the game’s greats. His performance not only disrupted India’s batting but also set the stage for England’s strong position in the match.
Ben Stokes’ Bowling Heroics
Ben Stokes’ spell was a masterclass in seam bowling, as he tore through India’s batting lineup with precision and aggression. Ben Stokes’ figures of 5/72 marked his best performance against India, surpassing his previous best of 5/73 from the 2016 Mohali Test. This was Ben Stokes’ fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, with two against India, two against Australia, and one against the West Indies. Notably, it was his first five-wicket haul in eight years, since his last in 2017 at Lord’s, and came after a gap of 76 Test matches—a record in itself.
The wickets Ben Stokes claimed were pivotal. Ben Stokes dismissed Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj showcasing his versatility against both left and right-handed batsmen. His spell included a crucial 10-over burst around lunch, where he worked through India’s lower order, dismissing Shardul Thakur (slashed to gully), Washington Sundar (top-edged to fine leg), and debutant Akash Deep (edged behind). Ben Stokes’ ability to vary his pace and exploit the conditions at Old Trafford was instrumental in restricting India to 358.
5️⃣ wickets for Stokes ☝️
1️⃣5️⃣6️⃣ opening stand for Crawley and Duckett 🤝See highlights from Day 2 at Emirates Old Trafford 👇 pic.twitter.com/65uVvc0pQx
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 25, 2025
This series has seen Stokes at his bowling peak, with 16 wickets making him the leading wicket-taker. His performance in the 3rd Test at Lord’s, where he took total 5 wickets, scored 44 and 33, and executed a run-out of Rishabh Pant to earn Player of the Match, had already highlighted his all-round brilliance. Despite battling fitness issues with his hamstring and knees, Stokes has bowled an impressive 129 overs in the series, emerging as England’s best seamer.
Joining the Elite: A Historic Milestone
Stokes’ five-wicket haul propelled him into an exclusive club of all-rounders who have achieved 10 or more Test centuries and 5 or more five-wicket hauls. He is now the fourth member of this elite group, alongside cricketing legends Gary Sobers, Ian Botham, and Jacques Kallis. The table below compares their remarkable achievements:
Stokes’ inclusion in this group underscores his exceptional all-round ability. While Sobers, Botham, and Kallis have set towering benchmarks, Stokes’ 13 centuries and 5 five-wicket hauls at this stage of his career highlight his potential to further elevate his legacy. His leadership and resilience, especially under physical strain, make this achievement even more remarkable.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Ben Duckett’s Blistering 94 Steals Show On Day 2