India, the runners-up in the inaugural World Test Championship, have started a new cycle with a tour of England. India lost the first Test of the five-match series at Headingley despite a record-breaking performance. Shubman Gill, despite scoring his first five centuries and the fourth highest score in Test history, had a bitter taste. England captain Ben Stokes also created history by chasing their target of 371 runs.
Ben Stokes is the first captain in history whose team has won more than 350 runs in the fourth innings of a Test. Till now, there are records of winning more than 350 runs in Tests 14 times by different countries. Where only the English led by Stokes achieved that feat twice. India had lost to them before, in 2022, Stokes-Anderson crossed the target of 378 runs.
Although Joe Root was the Test captain of England at that time. He led the four-Test series in 2021. However, the remaining match of the series was rescheduled for July of the following year. But then Stokes took the England armband. And India replaced the regular captain with Jasprit Bumrah in that match. By defeating India in that Birmingham Test, England equaled Australia’s record of 33 wins in the World Test Championship.
Stokes also holds the record for most Test victories by chasing a target of 250 or more. He has won such matches for England six times. He is followed by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (4), Australia’s Ricky Ponting (3) and West Indies’ Brian Lara (3).
England has a record of losing by 861 runs in two innings of Test. Which is the highest run loss ever. But that was in 1948. England won the next three matches on such a list in modern cricket. Pakistan’s 847 runs, New Zealand’s 837 and the last 835 runs of India were not enough to win against the English. These matches are the result of baseball cricket created by the pair of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes.
England is leading 1-0 in the five-match series against India. The second Test of the two teams will start on July 2, the venue is Edgbaston, Birmingham.
FAQ
What historic achievement did Ben Stokes make by defeating India?
Ben Stokes became the first England captain (or player) to achieve a specific milestone against India—possibly leading England to a rare series win, scoring a record number of runs, or producing a historic all-round performance.
In which format did Ben Stokes defeat India—Test, ODI, or T20?
The match could be in any format, but based on Stokes’ usual impact, it’s likely a historic Test or ODI victory. The article will confirm the format.
When and where did this match take place?
The match was played recently, possibly in India or during a home series in England. The date and venue details will be in the full report.
How did Ben Stokes contribute to the win?
Stokes may have scored crucial runs, taken key wickets, or led the team strategically as captain. His all-round abilities often play a big role in such wins.
Why is this victory considered historic?
It could be due to breaking a long-standing losing streak, winning in tough conditions, or achieving something no other England player or team has done before against India.