England captain Ben Stokes ended a more than two-year wait for a Test century today, reaching the milestone on the fourth day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. His commanding performance is propelling England towards a series-clinching victory.

Stokes, who began the day on 77 not out, brought up his 14th Test hundred (in his 115th match) with a boundary off Jasprit Bumrah. This marked his first Test ton since his rapid 155 against Australia in June 2023. He celebrated by clenching his fist, looking skyward, and making a gesture in tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes, before acknowledging the cheering crowd.

His century underscored a brilliant all-round effort, as Stokes had previously taken 5-72 in India's first innings of 358. This makes him only the fourth England player to achieve both a five-wicket haul and a century in the same Test, joining cricketing legends Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson.

With the pressure of the hundred off, Stokes continued his aggressive play, hitting a six and a reverse-swept four off Washington Sundar. England, already leading the five-match series 2-1, extended their formidable first-innings lead to 235 runs, reaching 593-8.

England resumed the day in a strong position at 544-7, thanks in part to Joe Root's majestic 150 on Friday, which saw him become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. Stokes, who briefly left the field with cramp yesterday before returning after his first fifty of the series, showed excellent form early today, driving Mohammed Siraj for two superb fours.

The only wicket to fall at the other end was Liam Dawson, playing his first Test since 2017, who added just five runs to his overnight score before being bowled by a low delivery from Bumrah – a potential concern for the Indian batsmen. Stokes, after reaching 99 with a drive, faced a brief nervous period before finally securing his hundred.