India, July 28 -- To say that Ben Stokes has been the difference between England and India over the first four Tests will be an understatement. England's talismanic skipper, him of the marathon spells despite extreme physical discomfort, is the leading wicket-taker, with 18 scalps. He ended a two-year wait for his 14th century with 141 at Old Trafford in the fourth Test, an innings split by cramps in his left leg which forced him to retire hurt when 66. He has two successive Player-of-the-Match awards, and is the primary reason why his side is 2-1 up with one to play.

There is much to admire about Stokes the cricketer - tireless right-arm quick who makes things happen, inventive left-hand bat whose slow-burn starts invariably translate i...