By He’s done it with the bat. He’s done it as a captain. And now, Ben Stokes is doing it again with the ball. In a series packed with big names and rising stars, it’s the England skipper who’s quietly become the most dangerous bowling weapon in the India vs England Test series 2025.
After four Tests, Ben Stokes leads the wicket-taking chart with 16 scalps, including a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings of the 4th Test at Old Trafford. His return to peak bowling form has added a much-needed edge to England’s attack — one that has kept them alive and fighting in a fiercely contested series.
Ben Stokes Test Performance So Far
- Matches Played: 4
- Wickets Taken: 16
- Bowling Average: 24.75
- Best Figures: 5/72 (1st innings, 4th Test)
- Four-Wicket Hauls: 1
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 1
England Start Strong at 77/0 at Tea on Day 2 of 4th Test
What makes this tally even more impressive is that Stokes wasn’t expected to bowl full spells in this series due to prior fitness concerns. Yet, when the pressure mounted especially during the final innings at Lord’s — he bowled long, punishing spells to secure victory for England in the 3rd Test.
Stokes has been the emotional engine and tactical spearhead of this England side. His relentless spells have broken partnerships, applied pressure, and often shifted the match’s momentum. In the 4th Test, his dismissal of key Indian batters like Sai Sudharsan and Thakur underlined how central he has become to England’s bowling plans.
Whether it’s bowling on flat decks or reversing the ball late in the day, Ben Stokes’ Test performance is a masterclass in leadership, control, and impact.
The Comeback After Caution
After several months of playing as a batting-only option, Stokes has gradually reintroduced bowling into his game, and the results have been stunning. His current bowling average of 24.75 is not just good for an all-rounder — it’s elite, matching front-line bowlers in the series.
From long spells at Lord’s to a five-fer at Old Trafford, Stokes is once again proving that when he’s fully fit and fired up, there are few players in the world who can match his all-round impact.
With the final Test still to come and the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Stokes. Can he finish as the top wicket-taker of the series? Can he pull off another magical moment when it matters most?
If history is anything to go by, don’t bet against Ben Stokes.
