Ben Stokes Eyes Century After All-Round Brilliance
Ben Stokes charges on Day 4 after an extraordinary 5-wicket haul. Can he convert this momentum into a Test century and carve his name in cricket history?
Stokes Steals the Show: A Captain's Performance at Old Trafford
Day 4 of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford has been dominated by one man: England's captain, Benjamin Andrew Stokes. After a crucial five-wicket haul that stifled India's first innings, Stokes has returned with the bat, battling physical discomfort to lead England's charge towards an insurmountable total. His performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, making him the central figure in England's quest to seal the series.
As he inches closer to a Test century, the cricketing world watches with bated breath to see if he can achieve a rare and remarkable all-round milestone, further cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats.
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The Five-Wicket Haul: Stokes' Impact with the Ball
Before his heroics with the bat, Ben Stokes had already made a profound impact on this Test match with his bowling. On Day 2, he delivered a crucial spell that saw him claim an impressive five-wicket haul (5/72) against India.
This performance was instrumental in wrapping up India's first innings for 358, preventing them from posting an even larger total. His ability to pick up wickets at critical junctures and exert pressure on the opposition's batting lineup highlights his invaluable contribution as a genuine all-rounder. This was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2017, marking a significant return to form with the ball.
Chasing a Century: Stokes' Resilience with the Bat
Resuming his innings on Day 4, after a strong showing on Day 3 where he scored an unbeaten 77 runs, Ben Stokes has continued to defy the Indian bowlers. His innings has been a testament to his fighting spirit, especially after battling cramps that forced him to temporarily retire hurt on Day 3.
- Gritty Performance: Despite physical discomfort, Stokes has shown remarkable resilience, pushing through pain to add crucial runs for England.
- Aggressive Intent: While playing carefully, Stokes has also maintained England's 'Bazball' approach, looking for scoring opportunities and putting pressure back on the bowlers.
- Leading by Example: As captain, his determined batting performance is inspiring his teammates and sending a strong message to the Indian side.
All eyes are now on Stokes as he closes in on a well-deserved century, which would be a significant personal milestone and a huge boost for England.
Eyeing a Rare Test Double: Century and Five-Wicket Haul
If Ben Stokes manages to reach his century, he will achieve a rare and prestigious feat in Test cricket: scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match. This "double" is a hallmark of true all-round greatness and has only been achieved by a select few cricketers in the history of the game.
Stokes has already completed 50 Test wickets against India and is one of only four players to have recorded 50 wickets and 1,000 runs against India in the format, joining an elite list that includes Imran Khan, Ian Botham, and Garry Sobers. Achieving the century-and-five-for double in this crucial Test would further solidify his place among the pantheon of all-time great all-rounders.
England's Commanding Lead: Dictating Terms for Series Victory
With Stokes' heroics and Joe Root's earlier masterful 150, England has built a substantial first-innings lead, now well over 200 runs. This commanding position allows England to dictate the terms of the match.
England currently leads the five-match series 2-1. A victory in this 4th Test at Old Trafford would secure the series for them, making the final Test at The Oval a dead rubber. The team's aggressive 'Bazball' philosophy is designed precisely for such scenarios – to score quickly and create opportunities for outright wins, maximizing the chances of achieving a result even with potential weather interruptions.
The strategic decision of when to declare will be crucial for Captain Stokes, balancing the desire to maximize runs with the need to give his bowlers enough time to take 10 Indian wickets.
India's Immense Challenge: Fighting for Survival
For India, Day 4 has been an arduous test. Their bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, have toiled tirelessly but have found it challenging to break through England's determined batting line-up, especially against the likes of Root and Stokes.
When India comes out to bat in their second innings, they will face a monumental task. The pitch will have worn further, and England's bowlers, energized by their team's strong position, will be relentless. India's top order will need to show exceptional application, discipline, and fight to save the match, let alone score enough runs to set a challenging target. The absence of Rishabh Pant (due to injury) further compounds their batting challenge.
Match Outlook: England in Control, India Faces a Stern Test
Day 4 has firmly established England's dominance in the 4th Test, driven by the exceptional all-round performance of Ben Stokes and the solid batting of Joe Root. With a substantial lead, England is in a strong position to push for a series-clinching victory.
India faces an immense challenge to save the Test. They will need extraordinary performances from their batsmen to bat out time or score enough runs to make a game of it. The weather, with its intermittent rain, adds another layer of complexity, but the stage is set for a gripping final day (or two) of Test cricket. All eyes will be on how India responds to the immense pressure.
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