Ben Stokes scripts history, surpasses Ian Botham on elite list with magnificent century against India in Manchester Test

England captain Ben Stokes played a stunning knock of 141 against India on the ffourth day of Manchester Test against India. With this stunning innings, the all-rounder contributed massively to his side's humongous total of 669. 

Stokes' fabulous knock included 11 boundaries and three maximums as he punished the Indian bowlers on Day 4. He also formed partnerships of over 100 runs alongside both Joe Root and Brydon Carse, who also gave major contributions in taking England's total over the 650-run mark. 

The knock of 141 saw Stokes become England's eighth-highest run-scorer for England against India in Test cricket. He surpassed the great Ian Botham on the list with his innings at Old Trafford. The England captain now has scored 1276 runs against the Men in Blue in red-ball cricket.

Here is the full list of England batters with the most runs against India in Test cricket -

1. Joe Root - 3249 runs

2. Alastair Cook - 2431 runs

3. Graham Gooch - 1725 runs

4. Kevin Pietersen - 1581 runs

5. David Gower - 1391 runs

6. Ken Barrington - 1355 runs

7. Ian Bell - 1343 runs

8. Ben Stokes - 1276 runs

9. Jonny Bairstow - 1261 runs

10. Ian Botham - 1201 runs

This was Stokes' second Test century against India and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Three Lions as it is crucial for them to win the ongoing match at Old Trafford if they want to seal the five-match series. Additionally, the all-rounder has also scored five half-centuries in the longest format against the Men in Blue.

Stokes has so far been incredible for England in the ongoing match in Manchester. The England captain had put in a sensational performance with the ball earlier in the game, recording figures of 5/72 and playing a key role in bundling out India for 358 runs in their first innings.