It’s not every week in cricket that someone rewrites the record books. But Ben Stokes just did.
In the fourth Test match against India at Old Trafford, the England captain didn’t just have a good game — he had a statement game. The kind that fans remember, Milestoneics can’t ignore, and future cricketers will study.
Let’s break down what exactly he did — and why it matters.
The 7000-Run Milestone
Ben Stokes walked in to bat with a calm head and walked out as a man who had crossed 7,000 Test runs — a huge achievement in itself. That number might seem abstract, but here’s why it’s a big deal:
Stokes is now part of a very elite club of all-rounders who’ve scored over 7,000 runs and taken 200+ wickets in Test cricket. Before him, only two cricketers in the history of the game had done that:
- Sir Garfield Sobers
- Jacques Kallis
Now, it’s Stokes.
That’s not all. By crossing 7,000 runs and taking over 200 wickets in Test cricket, Stokes joins an elite group of all-rounders — a club that includes legends like Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis. While he doesn’t surpass them in total runs, his all-around impact puts him in rare company.
Not bad for someone who’s also a frontline bowler.
His First Century in Two Years
Stokes didn’t just cross the 7,000 mark with a safe little fifty. No — he made it big. He scored 141 runs in that innings, his first Test century in over two years.
That hundred was important for more than just numbers. He had been under the spotlight for a while — questions about his form, his fitness, and whether he should still bowl. This century was his way of answering all of that without saying a word.
He looked composed. He timed the ball well. And most importantly, he looked like he was enjoying his batting. Then Came the Five Wickets
If that century wasn’t enough to get everyone talking, what he did with the ball surely was.
Stokes picked up five wickets for 72 runs, giving England control just when it mattered most. It was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2016 — a gap of eight years.
And here’s the incredible part: he became the first-ever England captain to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match.
That’s right — no other England captain has ever done that before. Not Botham, not Cook, not Root. Just Stokes.
A Complete All-Round Performance
It’s rare to see a player completely dominate a Test match in both departments. Usually, it’s one or the other — either you score big or you take wickets.
But Stokes? He did both, and not just average numbers. We’re talking about 141 runs with the bat and five wickets with the ball.
This wasn’t just a good performance. It was an all-time great performance.
Breaking Records, Silencing Critics
Let’s not forget — just a few weeks ago, some people were doubting whether Stokes should still bowl. He had hamstring concerns, cramps, and hadn’t bowled a full spell in a while.
But against India, he bowled like a man on a mission. The rhythm was back. The aggression was there. And most importantly, the wickets came.
Even former critics like Ravichandran Ashwin had to admit Stokes had found his groove again.
What’s Next for Stokes and England?
After this win, England now leads the five-match series 2-1 with one match to go. Momentum is clearly with them.
But everyone’s eyes will be on Ben Stokes. Will he continue bowling in the next Test? Will his body hold up? And can he repeat this kind of magic again?
One thing’s for sure: whether it’s with the bat, the ball, or just his leadership, Ben Stokes has proved he’s still the heartbeat of this England team.
Final Thought
In a sport filled with stats and milestones, some moments just feel bigger. Stokes crossing 7,000 runs, taking five wickets, and making history — all in one match — wasn’t just about cricket numbers.
It was about comeback, class, and character.
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