When Ben Stokes walked out at Old Trafford in the fourth Test against India, few could have imagined he was about to etch his name into one of the rarest records of cricket. By the end of the match, the England captain had not only inspired his team with a fiery spell of bowling and a gutsy century but also joined an exclusive group of Test skippers to have scored a ton and taken five wickets in the same game.
With figures of 5/72 and a magnificent 141 off 198 balls, Ben Stokes became only the fifth captain in the Test history to achieve this remarkable double. Among English players, he is the fourth to do so, following in the footsteps of Ian Botham (who achieved it five times), Tony Greig and Gus Atkinson.
This feat is so rare that in the long and storied history of Test cricket, it has only been achieved five times by captains.
Here’s a look at the legends who have achieved this incredible feat:
1. Denis Atkinson vs Australia (Bridgetown, 1955) – 219 and 5/56
In 1955, West Indies captain Denis Atkinson pulled off one of the most heroic all-round performances in Test history against Australia.
After Australia piled up a mammoth 668, Denis Atkinson bowled tirelessly for two days, sending down 48 overs for 2/108. When West Indies collapsed to 143/5, he walked in and, alongside wicketkeeper Clairmonte Depeiaza (122), produced an unforgettable rescue act. The duo added a record partnership, with Denis Atkinson scoring his maiden double century (219 runs) as West Indies reached 510.
In Australia’s second innings, Denis Atkinson turned the game again with the ball, claiming 5/56 in 36.2 overs. The match eventually ended in a draw but Denis Atkinson’s endurance and all-round brilliance made it one of most memorable efforts of cricket.
2. Garry Sobers vs England (Leeds, 1966) – 174 and 5/41
Few cricketers embodied all-round mastery like Sir Garry Sobers and his 1966 performance against England was one of his finest.
Batting first, Garry Sobers scored a superb 174 off 260 balls, striking 24 boundaries. His fifth-wicket stand of 265 runs with Seymour Nurse (137) powered West Indies to 500. When it was his turn with the ball, Garry Sobers dismantled England’s lower order, finishing with 5/41 in 19.3 overs.
England, following on, couldn’t handle the spin duo of Garry Sobers and Lance Gibbs. Garry Sobers added three more wickets (3/39), as West Indies clinched victory by an innings and 55 runs, a complete captain’s performance.
3. Mushtaq Mohammad vs West Indies (Port of Spain, 1977) – 121 and 5/28:
In 1977, Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad produced a masterclass in both batting and leg-spin against mighty West Indies.
After a steady 121 in the first innings, built through patience and skill, Mushtaq Mohammad switched roles and became the chief destroyer with the ball. His leg-breaks ripped through the West Indies batting order, earning him outstanding figures of 5/28 in 10.5 overs, his career-best in Tests.
Pakistan went on to win by 266 runs, with Mushtaq Mohammad adding a second-innings 56 and taking another three wickets (3/69) to seal a famous victory. It was the performance of a true all-round leader.
4. Imran Khan vs India (Faisalabad, 1983) – 6/98 and 117
A symbol of Pakistan’s fighting spirit, Imran Khan delivered one of his greatest performances in the 1983 Faisalabad Test against India.
In the first innings, Imran Khan’s fierce pace yielded 6/98, helping dismiss India for 372. Pakistan responded emphatically, posting a towering 652, with Imran himself contributing a fluent 117.
Not done yet, he returned in the second innings to claim another 5/82, demolishing India’s batting once more. The hosts chased the tiny target of eight runs in just two overs to complete a 10-wicket win.
That match not only underlined Imran Khan’s dominance but also cemented his place among the greatest all-round captains in cricket history.
5. Ben Stokes vs India (Manchester, 2025) – 5/72 and 141:
Nearly four decades after Imran Khan’s heroics, Ben Stokes became the next captain to achieve this illustrious double.
Leading England in a crucial Test at Old Trafford, Ben Stokes first delivered with the ball, taking 5/72, his first five-wicket haul in nearly eight years. His key scalps included Indian captain Shubman Gill (12) and in-form batter Sai Sudharsan (61), restricting India to 358.
Then came the batting masterclass. Coming in under pressure, Ben Stokes looked determined from the start. After retiring hurt on 66, he returned later, showing grit and determination to reach a sensational 141 off 198 balls, crossing 7000 Test runs in the process.
It was a vintage Ben Stokes performance, full of passion, skill and leadership. His heroics not only gave England the upper hand in the series but also ensured his place among the legends of the game.
From Denis Atkinson’s endurance to Garry Sobers’ artistry, Mushtaq Mohammad’s craft, Imran Khan’s dominance and now Ben Stokes’ courage, this list represents the very best of cricketing leadership and all-round brilliance.
