IND vs ENG 4th Test: Ben Stokes Takes Brilliant Five-Wicket Haul, First in 8 Years

Ben Stokes was on fire at Old Trafford on Thursday, putting in a brilliant performance with the ball. He took 5 wickets for 72 runs his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2017. Leading from the front, the England captain helped break India’s middle and lower order across two days in the fourth Test.

Stokes made an early impact on Day 1 by getting Indian skipper Shubman Gill out lbw for 12 with a sharp delivery that came back in. He later removed Sai Sudharsan, who had worked hard for his 61, with a catch taken by Brydon Carse.

When play resumed on Day 2, Stokes continued to bowl with fire. He got Shardul Thakur out with a mistimed shot that went straight to Ben Duckett. Then came the big moment in the 110th over, Stokes dismissed Washington Sundar and debutant Anshul Kamboj within three balls. Kamboj edged one behind, and Jamie Smith took a clean catch to seal Stokes’ five-wicket haul his first since the one at Lord’s against West Indies eight years ago.

At 34, Stokes showed why he’s so important to England not just as a captain, but also as a match-winning bowler. He had already impressed with the ball in the last Test, and this spell proved he still has plenty left in the tank.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Rishabh Pant Creates History, Becomes India's Leading Run-Scorer in WTC

India were bowled out for 358 in 114.1 overs, with Stokes clearly the star of the show for England. After struggling with injuries in recent years, this five-wicket haul was a strong reminder of just how dangerous Ben Stokes can be when he’s fully fit.