It is why his peers are men such as Andrew Flintoff, Trevor Bailey, Greig and Botham. Stokes’ 14th Test hundred put him level with Botham, who made the most of any England all-rounder. And, more than he has been for quite some time, Stokes is a genuine all-rounder again.

Ben Stokes answered his critics in emphatic style, bringing up a hard-fought century on Day 4 of the 4th Test against India — his first in Test cricket in over two years.

England captain Ben Stokes retired hurt with apparent cramp as his team dominated day 3 of the fourth cricket test against India on Friday. Stokes was 66 not out in the evening session at Old Trafford with England leading by 133 runs.