Ben Stokes Claims Historic Five-Wicket Haul in Fourth Test Against India. England captain Ben Stokes delivered a sensational performance on day two of the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, claiming a five-wicket haul in India’s first innings. His effort not only dented India’s batting but also etched his name into the history books—he became just the fourth men’s all-rounder ever to register both 10 Test centuries and five five-wicket hauls.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Ben Stokes made an immediate impact by removing Indian skipper Shubman Gill for 12. He followed it up with the crucial wicket of Sai Sudharsan, who had ground out a patient 61 off 151 balls.
India staged a brief recovery through a 48-run partnership between all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. However, Ben Stokes returned to break the stand, dismissing Thakur for 41 and Sundar for 27. He wrapped up his five-wicket haul by removing debutant Anshul Kamboj, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 72 in 24 overs.
Ben Stokes Joins Elite Club of All-Rounders with 10 Test Centuries and 5 Five-Wicket Hauls
Ben Stokes has become only the fourth all-rounder in Test cricket history to achieve the rare double of scoring 10 or more centuries and taking five five-wicket hauls. He now stands alongside legendary names like Gary Sobers (26 centuries, 6 fifers in 93 Tests), Ian Botham (14 centuries, 27 fifers in 102 Tests), and Jacques Kallis (45 centuries, 5 fifers in 166 Tests).
Ben Stokes reached this milestone in his 114th Test, the longest it has taken among the quartet. While his tally of 13 centuries is the fewest among them, the significance of the feat remains undiminished—it’s a clear marker of his stature as one of the modern greats.
The all-rounder had been stuck on four five-wicket hauls since 2017, with injuries and fitness issues slowing his progress. But in this series, he’s returned to his bowling best, already claiming 16 wickets—a series-high and personal career-best—suggesting this is the sharpest he’s bowled in nearly a decade.
Meanwhile, his pace partner Jofra Archer also reached a personal milestone, picking up his 50th Test wicket in just his 13th match. He claimed the scalps of Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, helping England bowl India out for 358.
