Manchester, July 26, 2025 – England captain Ben Stokes etched his name into the history books on Day 3 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The veteran all-rounder brought up 7,000 Test runs in iconic fashion by launching a powerful six early in the morning session, marking a significant achievement in his illustrious career.
By doing so, Stokes became only the third all-rounder in Test cricket history to achieve the remarkable double of 7,000 runs and 200 wickets. He now joins the elite company of cricketing greats Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis. Stokes had completed his 200th Test wicket last year at Lord’s against the West Indies.
The century in Manchester carried extra emotional weight for Stokes, as it ended a two-year drought for a Test hundred—his last came during the 2023 Ashes series. Battling through cramps on Day 3, the 34-year-old was briefly forced off the field but returned with determination after Jamie Smith’s dismissal to complete his gritty ton.
The day proved historic not only for Stokes but for England as a whole. Joe Root, in sensational form, moved up to second on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, surpassing legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting during his brilliant knock of 150. With 13,409 runs to his name, Root now only trails India’s Sachin Tendulkar.
Backed by centuries from Stokes and Root and solid fifties from Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, England has built a commanding lead. Stokes also made a crucial contribution with the ball, picking up five wickets to bowl India out for 358 in their first innings.
Holding a 2-1 series lead, England now look poised to seal the series, with confidence and momentum clearly in their favor.