In some encouraging news for England ahead of day five’s play in the ongoing fourth Test against India, skipper Ben Stokes was spotted bowling during his side’s warm-up sessions.

It is why his peers are men such as Andrew Flintoff, Trevor Bailey, Greig and Botham. Stokes’ 14th Test hundred put him level with Botham, who made the most of any England all-rounder. And, more than he has been for quite some time, Stokes is a genuine all-rounder again.

Regardless of how Sunday’s final day plays out at Old Trafford, there’s no way Stokes should be risked at The Oval against India ahead of an Ashes winter