Ben Stokes retires injured after the fear of injuries, the first 50 in the India VS England series

Ben Stokes continued his rich vein of form in the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester with another gritty display. The England captain has struggled for runs this series but slammed a half-century to further the hosts’ advantage. It followed up his fifer in the first innings, marking a complete performance from their leader in a potential series decider.

Ben Stokes returns to form with 50 after 5-fer

Ben Stokes translated his bowling form into runs with the bat in a fighting innings in Manchester on Day 3. Stokes joined the well set Joe Root and stitched a century stand to swell England’s lead in the IND vs ENG 4th Test. He eventually reached a half-century, his first in the series. It was his first against India in more than 15 innings, having also struggled in the India vs England series away from home.

However, Stokes struggled with cramps and was soon retired hurt. The left-hander bowled long spells throughout the series and sent through 24 overs in the first innings for his five wickets. He eventually returned at the fall of Chris Woakes’ wicket, but struggled and was in discomfort.

It was only the second time Stokes had scored a half-century and taken 5 wickets in the same Test match. His only other instance came against the West Indies back in 2017. In that game, Stokes picked up 6/22 and scored 60 in England’s 9-wicket win at Lord’s.