Ben Stokes Makes Test History: First England Captain With Century & 5-Wicket Haul
By M Muzamil Shami - July 28, 2025
Key Points:
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Ben Stokes scores a blazing century and takes 5 wickets in same Test.
First England captain ever to achieve this all-round milestone.
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Only the fifth Test captain globally to accomplish such a feat.
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Crosses 7,000 Test runs as an all-rounder.
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England tighten grip in 4th Test against India in Manchester.
Ben Stokes Rewrites Test Cricket History in Manchester with Legendary All-Round Display
MANCHESTER — The fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford will go down as one of the most iconic in cricket’s long history — thanks to the sheer brilliance and historic all-round dominance of Ben Stokes, England's captain courageous.
With the series delicately poised, all eyes were on the English side to respond, and Stokes did more than deliver — he etched his name into cricket folklore.
A Captain’s Performance for the Ages
In a display brimming with grit, power, and drama, Stokes smashed a counterattacking century, rescuing England from a precarious position. But he didn’t stop there. With the ball, he returned to haunt India’s batters, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul, becoming:
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The first England Test captain to score a century and take 5 wickets in a single match.
Only the fifth captain in Test cricket history to achieve this elite feat.
Elite Company: Who’s Done It Before?
Ben Stokes joins an exclusive club that includes:
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Sir Garry Sobers (West Indies)
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Imran Khan (Pakistan)
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Kapil Dev (India)
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Brian McMillan (South Africa)
But none were quite like Stokes — leading from the front in a must-win Test on home soil under immense pressure.
Match Situation: England Dominant, India Fights
Stokes’ heroics propelled England to a commanding first-innings lead. India, though under pressure, showed resolve late on Day 4, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar trying to pull the game back from the brink.
With Day 5 looming, fans worldwide are hooked. Will India pull off a miracle, or will England close the curtains on the series?
Career Milestone: 7,000 Runs & Still Roaring
Adding another layer of greatness, Stokes also crossed the 7,000-run mark in Test cricket, solidifying his legacy as one of the most complete cricketers of the modern era.
He now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest all-rounders in cricket history — matching Flintoff, surpassing Botham in versatility, and capturing the imagination of a generation.
FAQs
1. How many captains have achieved a 100+ score and 5-wicket haul in the same Test?
Only five captains in Test history — including Stokes — have done this.
2. Is Ben Stokes now among the top Test all-rounders?
Absolutely. His stats and impact place him among the greatest ever.
3. Where is the 4th Test being played?
The match is at Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
4. What is Stokes' batting average in 2025?
As of now, it’s over 50 in this calendar year — a career-best form.
5. What record did Ben Stokes break in the 4th Test?
He became the first-ever England captain to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match.
6. How many runs has Ben Stokes scored in Test cricket?
Stokes has now crossed 7,000 runs in Test matches.
7. Has any other England captain done this before?
No. This is a first in England's cricketing history.
8. What’s the current status of the match?
England are ahead, but India’s late resistance on Day 4 keeps things open for a dramatic final day.
Don’t miss the final day drama — follow us for ball-by-ball updates, match analysis, and exclusive interviews!
What do you think: Is Ben Stokes the greatest modern Test all-rounder? Comment below and join the debate!
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