BEN STOKES UP HOME FIRES

England's superhero landed some forceful blows on day one

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UP IN the party stand, Old Trafford's vast scaffolding carbuncle, the mood was buoyant but Ben Stokes was poles apart.

England's best bowler in a gripping series landed the most forceful blows on day one of this fourth Test to gain some traction on his latest audacious call at the toss.

And as India made their way to 264-4 at the close, with dangerman Rishabh Pant retiring, hurt, Stokes threw off his superhero's cape and kept the party going.

Every year they build a sprawling, uncovered tribune here in the gap where the stage goes at money-spinning pop concerts.