Australia will fear Stokes

ALL that was missing was a cape. But there was still no disguising the fact Old Trafford was witnessing a Superman of a cricketer. Take another bow, Benjamin Andrew Stokes.

- Jeremy Cross

His initials could easily stand for 'Brilliant And Sensational'.

Because at the ripe old age of 34, Stokes continues to astound with both bat and ball in hand.

The ginger genius took a prolonged look to the skies when he completed his 14th Test century before lunch.

A nod to his late father Gerard, no doubt. We've known for a while how much talent the cricketing Gods bestowed on Stokes.

But his superb knock in Manchester on the penultimate day of this fourth Test was a timely reminder of how privileged England are to have him still leading from the front.