A Comeback Fueled by Grit

After enduring years of injuries, surgeries, and uncertainty, England cricket captain Ben Stokes made a stunning return to form by claiming a five-wicket haul during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. This milestone wasn’t just another stat — it was a moment of quiet redemption, underscoring his resilience and unshakeable commitment to the game.

An Eight-Year Rollercoaster

Stokes’ journey since 2017 has been as turbulent as it has been heroic. From his iconic innings at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes to his vital contributions in two World Cup victories, he has consistently delivered when it mattered. But behind the glory were persistent physical struggles — especially with recurring knee and hamstring injuries that required surgery.

In December, while training in New Zealand’s North Island, Stokes suffered a second hamstring injury in just five months. Many believed that his days of bowling in red-ball cricket were over.

A Meaningful Return at Old Trafford

On day two of the fourth Test, Stokes didn’t exit the field raising his bat or celebrating a diving catch. Instead, he quietly walked off holding the match ball — a powerful symbol of his first Test five-for in nearly seven years. It wasn’t flashy, but it was significant: a quiet, dignified statement of perseverance.

Proving His All-Round Value

While Ben Stokes is often celebrated for his batting heroics, this performance reminded fans and critics alike of his bowling prowess. His five wickets weren’t just important for the match — they served as proof that Stokes remains a top-tier all-rounder, fully capable of influencing the game with both bat and ball.

This performance is not only a morale booster for the England squad, but also a signal that Stokes is ready to take on more responsibility and challenge in the Test arena moving forward.

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FAQs

Q1: When was Ben Stokes’ last five-wicket haul in Tests before this match?
A1: He last achieved this feat in September 2017.

Q2: What injuries has Ben Stokes battled in recent years?
A2: He underwent surgeries on both his knee and hamstring, including two hamstring injuries in 2023.

Q3: Where did he suffer his latest injury?
A3: He sustained his second hamstring injury while training in New Zealand’s North Island in December 2023.

Q4: Why is his Old Trafford performance significant?
A4: It marked his return to bowling fitness and was a symbolic moment of redemption after years of setbacks.

Q5: What does this mean for Stokes’ Test career?
A5: It reaffirms his value as a complete cricketer and suggests he still has a major role to play in the future of England’s Test team.