England captain Ben Stokes delivered a stunning bowling performance today at Emirates Old Trafford.
Tearing through the Indian batting line-up to claim a magnificent five-wicket haul, his first in Test cricket since his famous 6-wicket haul against West Indies in July 2020 at the very same venue.
Ben Stokes has his first Test five-for in EIGHT YEARS! 👏
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025
The England skipper squares up Anshul Kamboj and India are eight down... pic.twitter.com/6ioPcPwJQY
The all-rounder's heroics, achieved on Day Two of the Fourth Test, swung the momentum firmly in England's favour and left fans wondering if the full, formidable force of Ben Stokes, the bowler, had truly returned.
After a gruelling opening day where India, despite Rishabh Pant's injury scare, managed to post a competitive total, it was the skipper himself who led the charge with the ball this morning.
Having already picked up the crucial wickets of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan on Day One, Stokes returned with renewed vigour, demonstrating relentless accuracy and sharp movement off the seam that proved too much for the Indian middle and lower order.
The sight of Stokes charging in, delivering probing spells, was a welcome relief for England supporters who had watched him manage his workload carefully in recent years, particularly following his knee injury concerns.
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His ability to hit difficult lengths and extract bounce from a typically firm Old Trafford pitch was instrumental in breaking partnerships and exposing India's tail.
The defining moment came when Stokes ripped through a resilient Indian partnership, claiming two quick wickets to bring up his coveted five-for.
It was a classic display of an all-rounder stepping up when his team needed him most, a characteristic that has defined his captaincy.
While his batting form had seen fleeting glimpses this series, his consistent impact with the ball, particularly his ability to break key stands, had been immense.
Indeed, prior to this Test, he had already surpassed his own record for the most overs bowled by himself in a Test series, highlighting his sheer determination.
This five-wicket haul not only placed England in a commanding position in this crucial Fourth Test but also sent a powerful message to the rest of the cricketing world.
Ben Stokes, the relentless competitor, remained a genuine multi-format threat, and his return to peak bowling prowess was a terrifying prospect for any opposition.
As the series progressed, India would be acutely aware that they faced not just eleven Englishmen, but a captain whose all-round brilliance could single-handedly turn the tide of a Test match.