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Ben Stokes Reigns Supreme, Joins Ian Botham With Sublime Hundred In Manchester

Debashis Sarangi

Ben Stokes in action [Source: AP]Ben Stokes in action [Source: AP]

In a remarkable achievement, Ben Stokes brought up a magnificent century in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester. The skipper’s prolific ton helped the hosts further boost their chances of winning in the penultimate affair. 

Ben Stokes Ends Century Drought With Exceptional Innings

The talismanic English cricketer was the primary reason behind England’s emphatic win at Lord’s as he derailed the Indian innings with a relentless spell. He showcased a batting masterclass at Old Trafford, extending his purple patch in the series. 

The incident occurred during the 146th over of England's first innings as Stokes glanced Siraj's length delivery towards fine leg for a single. The solitary run helped him bring up his century, helping him further establish his name in cricketing folklore. 

After losing Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in quick succession following a magnificent start, England consolidated their innings, thanks to a stunning century by Joe Root and a valuable contribution from Ollie Pope. 

Although Pope couldn't convert his start into a century, Root slammed 150 runs and Ben Stokes replicated a similar success with a prolific hundred. 

Stokes Joins Botham In Two Elite Milestones

The English skipper's commendable effort pushed India entirely onto the back foot, asserting the hosts' dominance in the encounter. 

This was his 14th Test hundred as he equalled legendary English cricketers- Ian Botham, Marcus Trescothick, Allan Lamb and Nasser Hussain on the elite list. 

Apart from Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Tony Greig and Ian Botham are the only English cricketers to scalp a five-wicket haul and score a century in the same Test. 

England are comfortably placed in the driving seat, riding on centuries from Root and Stokes. As of writing, the hosts were 596 for eight, having secured a substantial lead of 239 runs.