Stokes' Century Propels England to Commanding Position Against India at Old Trafford

England's Batting Masterclass Puts India Under Pressure

In a remarkable display of batting prowess at Old Trafford, England captain Ben Stokes ended his two-year century drought with a commanding 141, leading his side to an imposing first-innings total of 669 and a substantial 311-run advantage over India.

Captain's Innings Marks Return to Form

Stokes, whose last Test century had been eagerly anticipated, faced 198 deliveries in crafting his 14th Test hundred. The innings demonstrated not only his technical excellence but also his tactical acumen in steering England's aggressive batting approach.

The captain's performance was complemented by Joe Root's stellar 150, while Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84) made significant contributions to England's formidable total.

Indian Bowling Under Scrutiny

The match marked a significant milestone for India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in his 48-Test career. This unusual occurrence reflects both England's dominant batting and the challenging conditions.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja emerged as India's most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 143 runs, though the overall bowling effort struggled to contain England's aggressive intent.

Challenging Road Ahead for India

The deteriorating Old Trafford pitch, showing signs of variable bounce, presents a significant challenge for India's batting lineup in their second innings. This technical challenge, combined with the psychological pressure of a 311-run deficit, sets up a compelling final phase of the Test match.