England captain Ben Stokes retires early on 66 not out against India

MANCHESTER, England – A dominant display by England on Day 3 of the fourth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford was punctuated by an unusual sight, as captain Ben Stokes was forced to retire hurt on 66 not out. The all-rounder, who had been marshalling England's robust response to India's first innings total, left the field late in the afternoon session with what appeared to be cramp, a minor blip in an otherwise commanding performance that saw the hosts take firm control of the match.

Stokes's departure came as a surprise, given the comfortable position England found themselves in. Having resumed the day with a healthy lead, the home side continued to pile on the runs, with key partnerships building momentum throughout the morning and afternoon. The England skipper had played a characteristically aggressive yet composed innings, reaching his half-century with a mix of powerful drives and deft deflections. His 66 runs were vital in extending England’s formidable lead, showcasing his enduring ability to influence the game with the bat. The incident, occurring just as he looked set for a much larger score, highlights the physical demands of Test cricket, particularly for an athlete like Stokes who consistently pushes his body to the limits.