Ben Stokes's remarkable performance in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford has injected new life into England's hopes of clinching the series. Stokes became the first captain in 42 years to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. However, India, led by Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, is putting up a strong fight to keep their series hopes alive.

Stokes's All-Round Show

Ben Stokes's performance in the fourth Test has been nothing short of extraordinary. He showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, taking 5/72 in the first innings to restrict India to 358. On the fourth day, he reached his 14th Test century, his first in over two years, with a boundary off Mohammed Siraj. This was also his third Test hundred at Old Trafford. During his innings, he surpassed 7,000 Test runs, becoming only the third all-rounder after Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis to achieve this feat. Stokes was eventually dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 141 off 198 deliveries.

Stokes now joins an elite group of captains to achieve this double. Before him, only West Indies greats Denis Atkinson and Garry Sobers, and Pakistan legends Mushtaq Mohammad and Imran Khan had managed the feat. Stokes is also the fourth England player to achieve the feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same Test, joining Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson.

India's Fightback

After England posted a formidable 669 in their first innings, India faced a daunting 311-run deficit. Chris Woakes's double-wicket maiden over further compounded their woes, leaving India reeling at 1/2. However, captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul staged a remarkable recovery, adding 85 runs for the third wicket to steady the ship.

Gill reached his fifty, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 30 at tea on Day 4. At stumps, India were 174 for two, trailing by 137 runs. Gill was unbeaten on 78 and Rahul on 87, giving India hope of saving the Test and setting up a decider at the Oval.

Records and Reactions

Stokes's century was not only a personal milestone but also a historic achievement. He became the first English cricketer to score over 7,000 runs and take 200 wickets in Tests. His innings also saw him surpass Ian Botham to become England's eighth-highest run-scorer against India in Test cricket.

R Ashwin, who had previously questioned Stokes's batting achievements, defended his comments after the England captain's stellar performance. Ashwin acknowledged Stokes's class and attributed his success to a more traditional approach.

The Road Ahead

With England leading the five-match series 2-1, the fourth Test is crucial. Stokes's all-round brilliance has undoubtedly given England the upper hand, but India's fightback, led by Gill and Rahul, has kept the game alive. The final day promises to be a thrilling affair, with India aiming to bat through to save the Test and England looking to exploit any opportunity to secure a series-clinching victory.