Ben Stokes Delivers Rare Double as England Post Highest Test Total at Old Trafford

Ben Stokes Delivers Rare Double as England Post Highest Test Total at Old Trafford

England captain Ben Stokes produced a scintillating all‑round performance to steer England to their highest-ever Test total at Old Trafford. Stokes scored 141—the first century by an England captain in over two years—and also claimed a five-wicket haul, guiding England to 669 declared and a commanding 311-run lead over India.

Stokes’s Historic Feat

Stokes became the first England captain—and only the fourth England player—to score a century and pick up a five-for in the same Test match. His innings of 141 came off 198 balls and was his first Test hundred in over two years. He also surpassed 7,000 Test runs in the innings, joining an elite group alongside Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis who have achieved 7,000+ runs and 200+ wickets in Test cricket.

England’s Record Score at Old Trafford

Resuming at 544/7 on Day 4, Stokes’s century and a late 47 from Brydon Carse helped England reach a mammoth 669—all‑time record for a Test innings at Old Trafford. The total gave them an imposing 311-run first innings lead.

Impact on the Match

England’s total put India on the back foot. Chris Woakes ripped through India’s top order with two wickets in his opening over, leaving them reeling at 0/2. However, an unbeaten 174-run partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul revived India’s innings to 174/2 by close, still trailing by 137 as Day 4 ended.

Records & Historical Context

This performance saw multiple records fall:

• England’s highest-ever Test total at Old Trafford (669).
• Stokes becomes the first England captain to score 100 and take five wickets in the same Test.
• Joined a top-tier list—only third player in Test history with 7,000+ runs and 200 wickets.
• Only the fourth England player overall to score a Test century and take a five-wicket haul, joining Ian Botham, Tony Greig and Gus Atkinson.

Summary Table

Aspect	Detail
Player	Ben Stokes
Innings Score	141 (198 balls)
Bowling Figures	5 wickets (first innings)
England Total	669 declared
Lead	311 runs
Series Status	England lead 2–1

FAQs

What rare double did Ben Stokes achieve?

Ben Stokes became the first England captain to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match.

What was England’s total and why is it notable?

England declared on 669—their highest-ever Test innings at Old Trafford—taking control of the match with a 311-run lead.

Where does this performance place Stokes historically?

Stokes joined the elite club of only three players—alongside Sobers and Kallis—to score 7000+ Test runs and take 200+ wickets.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.

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