Ben Stokes led from the front in Manchester as he ran through the Indian batting line up in the IND vs ENG 4th Test. The England captain picked up a five-wicket haul to help bowl India out for 358 at Old Trafford. It was Stokes’ first five-wicket haul in 8 years, and only the fifth of his career.
Ben Stokes rocks India with first 5-wicket haul since 2017
Ben Stokes has been the best England pacer in the series and he once again put in a performance of the highest order. The England captain bowled full tilt and kept the Indian batting on their toes throughout the first innings. He struck with the big fish first, dismissing opposition captain Shubman Gill.
He followed it up with the well thought out dismissals of Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja. He then dismissed Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj to have five wickets in the innings. It was his first five-wicket haul since his 2017 effort against West Indies at Lord’s. He became the the first England captain to take a 5-wicket haul at home since 1983 after Bob Willis. The only other England skipper to take a fifer in that period was Joe Root, who did so in Ahmedabad against India in 2021.
Stokes is currently the leading wicket taker in the India vs England series. The 34-year-old has 16 wickets in 7 innings, averaging 24.75. He has also bowled 129 overs, the second most among pacers in the series behind Brydon Carse.
Given Stokes’ struggles with injuries, the England captain has pulled through rather unscathed. He has only gone on from strength to strength which would be a good sign for the hosts.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
