Ben Stokes silenced his critics in the most commanding fashion as the England captain brought up a gritty century on Day 4 of the Manchester Test against India — his first in more than two years in Test cricket. He reached the landmark in style with a boundary off Mohammed Siraj, marking his 14th Test hundred and his first since July 2022.

The Old Trafford crowd rose to its feet as Stokes removed his helmet, looked skywards and performed his signature crooked finger salute — a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes. It was a deeply emotional moment for the all-rounder, who has endured a challenging run with the bat but once again proved his calibre in the longest format.

Having already made headlines in the match with a five-wicket haul — his first in eight years — Stokes showcased his all-round prowess with a composed yet authoritative innings. His knock was crafted with a blend of patience, resilience and characteristic aggression, underlining why he remains one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

Stokes brought up the century with a leg glance, reminiscent of Joe Root’s shot to reach three figures the previous day. His celebration — a clenched fist and the salute to the heavens — spoke not only of relief, but of quiet defiance and renewed belief.

With Stokes leading from the front, England continued to pile on the runs, inching closer to the 600-run mark and tightening their grip on the match. For Stokes, this wasn’t merely about the numbers — it was a powerful statement of intent. When he’s in the zone, there are few who can match his impact. This century was yet another reminder of his enduring value to English cricket.

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