Stokes ends two-yr wait for Test ton as India crumble on Day 4

Stokes’ 141 powered hosts to 669 all out — their fifth-highest total of all time — on Day 4 in Manchester

- Agencies

England captain Ben Stokes ended his more than two-year wait for a Test hundred before India sensationally lost two wickets without a run on the scoreboard as the hosts pressed for a series-clinching win at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Stokes’ dominant 141 powered England to 669 all out — their fifth-highest total of all time — on the fourth day of the fourth Test.

That gave England, already 2-1 up in this five-match series, a huge first-innings lead of 311 runs.

There was still time for India to face a tricky three overs before lunch.

And Chris Woakes then raised English hopes of a victory in Manchester with more than a day to spare by striking with successive balls of the first over of India’s second innings as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell for ducks.

Jaiswal nicked the fourth ball of the over, a good length delivery that seamed away, to first slip where Joe Root dropped a two-handed chance but clung on with one at the second attempt.