England captain Ben Stokes answered critics in emphatic fashion by scoring his first Test century in more than two years on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India.
Reaching the milestone with a boundary off Mohammed Siraj, Stokes celebrated with his signature crooked finger salute — a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes.
This century marked Stokes’ 14th in Tests, his first since July 2022. It was a moment of raw emotion and determination as he looked skyward, helmet in hand, and saluted in memory of his father. The Old Trafford crowd responded with a rousing ovation.
Beyond personal redemption, Stokes etched his name into cricket history, becoming only the fifth Test captain to score a hundred and take a five-wicket haul in the same match. He now shares this rare feat with legends like Garry Sobers and Imran Khan.
Earlier in the match, Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul — his first in eight years — further demonstrating his enduring value to English cricket. His composed yet aggressive innings reflected the grit and class that make him one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.
With England inching towards 600 and tightening their grip on the match, Stokes’ knock stood out as a statement of intent and resurgence. It reminded fans and critics alike why, when he’s in the zone, few can match his impact.
