Still, Stokes is a man who lets his cricket do the talking and the sight of the all-rounder marking out his run sent a jolt of electricity around Trent Bridge. The familiar approach, arcing towards the stumps, heels kicking up, limbs loose. First ball an over-step, next ball an edge off Brian Bennett. Joe Root failed to read the script or take the catch. Stokes would not be denied. His fourth legal delivery had Sikandar Raza edge behind, and in the next over Wesley Madhevere chopped on. The Durham man was England's best on show. He extracted more movement both in the air and off the pitch than Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue or Sam Cook. His average pace of 82.9mph was his third-highest in a Test since the beginning of last summer. At almost 34 and with a partly bionic body, Stokes has realised he cannot push himself like he did in his younger days. He has promised to limit himself to short spells and was as good as his word - 3.2 overs were all he bowled. Plenty. Given the match situation - Zimbabwe are 30-2 in their second innings and 270 behind - it's unlikely Stokes will bat or bowl again in this game. In order to fine-tune for the series against India in June, he may play one of the two matches England Lions have scheduled against India A. The decision on Bethell will need to be made. One suggestion, to replace Bashir and use Bethell's left-arm spin, feels like a non-starter simply because of the extra strain it could place on Stokes' bowling. England also need the captain to rediscover his mojo with the bat. His last Test century was in the second Ashes Test of 2023 and since the beginning of last year he averages less than 28. England are a stronger team when Stokes can bowl, yet they still need his batting more. So, bar the need for eight more Zimbabwe wickets over the weekend, the defining period of Stokes' captaincy has arrived.