Ben Stokes shined with a brilliant 141 runs in the first innings of the Manchester Test. England has taken a strong lead over India in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Following Joe Root’s impressive century, England captain Ben Stokes also delivered a commanding hundred in the first innings, putting the Indian team under significant pressure.
This marked Ben Stokes’ 14th Test century, adding to his exceptional performance in the match. Remarkably, he also claimed a five-wicket haul in the same innings, becoming only the fourth England player—alongside Tony Greig, Sir Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson—to achieve the rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a single Test.
After reaching his century, Ben Stokes celebrated with his signature “folded finger” gesture, removing his gloves and folding the middle finger on his left hand in a distinctive salute.
Is there anything he can't do? 🤩
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025
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Ben Stokes’ “folded finger” celebration honors his late father
Ben Stokes’ iconic “folded finger” gesture is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes. Ged, a former New Zealand rugby player, struggled with repeated injuries and dislocations to his middle finger throughout his career.
Despite medical advice to have surgery and quit playing, Ged chose to have his finger amputated so he could continue on the field. He passed away in December 2020.
England posted a colossal first-innings total of 669 all out, powered by centuries from Ben Stokes and Joe Root, securing a commanding lead of 311 runs. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope also contributed with impressive half-centuries.
Earlier, England had dismissed India for 358 in their first innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant scoring fifties. England won the toss and chose to bowl first in the Manchester Test.