Manchester, July 24, 2025 – England’s fiery all-rounder Ben Stokes put on a sensational display with the ball on day two of the fourth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
His five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in restricting India to 358 runs in their first innings, keeping England firmly in contention as they push for a series-clinching victory.
Coming into the attack with India building momentum, Ben Stokes turned the tide with his disciplined seam bowling and relentless aggression. He claimed crucial wickets at regular intervals, breaking partnerships that had the potential to take India to a much larger total. Finishing with figures of 5 for 72, Stokes dismantled India’s middle and lower order with trademark intensity.
India had shown early signs of dominance in the innings. Youngster Sai Sudharsan impressed with a fluent 61, supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 58 and Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 54. KL Rahul also contributed 46 runs. However, the innings began to unravel once Ben Stokes found his rhythm, removing key batsmen and applying constant pressure. Indian captain Shubman Gill failed to make an impact, scoring only 12 runs before falling victim to England’s pace attack.
The Test match is critical for both sides. England leads the five-match series 2-1 and are determined to seal the contest in Manchester. With the momentum shifting back in England’s favor, largely due to Stokes’ heroics, the hosts are now eyeing a commanding response with the bat.
This performance marks yet another memorable chapter in Ben Stokes’ illustrious career. Known for his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, Stokes once again proved to be the backbone of England’s bowling unit. His impact on the game—both as a bowler and a leader—continues to inspire his team as they chase a series victory on home soil.