England v India: Ben Stokes’ marathon bowling efforts show he trusts his body – Joe Root

Having taken the wicket of Akash Deep with the last ball of day four, Stokes trapped KL Rahul lbw in a spell lasting more than an hour on the fifth morning.

After India clawed their way back into match in the afternoon, Stokes’ gruelling efforts were reward with the wicket of Jasprit Bumrah to end a partnership with Ravindra Jadeja that lasted almost 22 overs.

Afterwards Stokes suggested it was the toughest of the “dark places” he has taken his body to during his career.

“He’s just desperate to be the man and make things happen,” Root said.

“Incredible effort to be able to do that.

“I was just panicking that he wasn’t going to make it through the game after a couple of bad injuries but he clearly trusts his body now.

“It’s a great sign for us moving forward. I mean it really is isn’t it, because that’s back to his best.”

Stokes was named player-of-the-match for his efforts, pipping Root who scored 104 in England’s first innings.

The runs meant Root reclaimed number one spot in the world batting rankings, however.

He replaces team-mate Harry Brook, who dropped down to third below New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

Scott Boland’s hat-trick against West Indies means there are now five Australians in the top 10 of the bowling rankings – Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.