India Vs England, 4th Test: Ben Stokes Scripts Historic All-Rounder Milestone At Old Trafford

Ben Stokes scripted history at Old Trafford, Manchester, by becoming just the third all-rounder in Test cricket to achieve the rare double of 7,000 runs and 200 wickets in the ongoing fourth Test against India of Anderon-Tendulkat trophy.

The England captain reached the milestone in style on Day 3 of the fourth Test against India, smashing a towering six early in the day. He now stands alongside legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis in one of the game’s most exclusive clubs.

Stokes’ century against India carried even greater significance, marking the end of a two-year wait for a Test hundred – his previous ton coming during the Ashes in July 2023. Battling cramps, the 34-year-old produced a gritty 141-run knock, even leaving the field briefly before returning after Jamie Smith’s dismissal to continue his masterclass.

His all-round brilliance has been a defining feature of the series, with his five-wicket haul earlier in the match playing a crucial role in bowling India out for 358 in their first innings.

Day 3 also belonged to Joe Root, who climbed to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list. With his fluent 150, Root surpassed greats like Rahul Dravid (13,288), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Ricky Ponting (13,378). He now sits at 13,409 runs, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s record tally of 15,921.

England’s dominance has been underlined by contributions across the top order, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley adding fifties to the twin centuries from Stokes and Root.

With a sizeable lead and a 2-1 advantage in the series following memorable victories at Leeds and Lord’s, England hold all the momentum. India, whose lone win came by 336 runs at Edgbaston, face a formidable task to turn this match around.