Ben Stokes makes history with century and 7000 test runs

Ben Stokes delivered one of the most complete all-round performances of his Test career in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. In a match already filled with milestones, the England skipper etched his name into cricket’s elite records with two landmark achievements: a gritty century and entry into the 7000 Test runs–200 wickets club.

Stokes Enters the All-Rounders Hall of Fame

Stokes began the day by launching a six to bring up 7000 Test runs, becoming just the third player in Test history to score over 7000 runs and take 200 wickets—joining all-time greats Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis.

Stokes reached his 200th Test wicket in 2024 against West Indies at Lord’s, and the six that brought up his 7000th run was a statement of intent, underlining his impact in both departments.

A Century to Remember

Stokes' century – his 14th in Tests, second against India, and third as captain – came after a two-year wait, with his previous hundred coming during the Ashes at Lord’s in July 2023. This knock was especially remarkable given the physical challenge: the 34-year-old battled cramps and briefly retired hurt before returning after Jamie Smith’s dismissal. His 141 played a key role in England’s strong response to India’s first-innings total, following his 5/72 with the ball that had earlier restricted the visitors to 358.

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England on Top, Thanks to Milestone Men

The Manchester Test has turned into a celebration of English dominance and personal achievements. Alongside Stokes, Joe Root also reached a major landmark by overtaking legends of the game to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.

Root’s 150-run knock at Old Trafford saw him leapfrog Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in quick succession. He now sits second only to Sachin Tendulkar, underlining his stature as a modern-day batting great.

England in Command

The combined brilliance of Stokes and Root, supported by fifties from openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, has given England a commanding lead heading into the final phase of the Test. With the series poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, following dramatic wins at Leeds and Lord’s, the hosts are eyeing a memorable series win at home. India’s only win in the series came at Edgbaston, where they thrashed England by 336 runs. However, the momentum has clearly shifted.

Ben Stokes' milestone-filled masterclass in Manchester may well go down as one of the defining performances of his career, an innings that not only shaped a Test match but cemented his status among the game's true all-round giants.