🔗 Share this article

England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "worn out" but still "physically able" to bowl, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he did not bowl on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized a quintet of alternative bowlers as the Australian side moved to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had previously battled for more than five hours at the wicket across two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his marathon 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by Mitchell Starc and suffered bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on Friday after banging his head on the ground while attempting a stop.

"He could be a bit tired and just need a bit of time to himself right now," commented Patel.

"From what I understand, he's quite ready to bowl. I think he's just really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to get through this point in the game."

Past Fitness Concerns

Considering his complicated injury past – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any suggestion the Durham man might be carrying a problem draws considerable scrutiny.

Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was puzzling given it was England's last chance to remain alive in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and requiring a victory in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of winning back the Ashes alive, England had conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"My understanding is he goes at 100%," remarked Patel. "If he thinks he can't do it at 100%, I don't think he's going to do it. That's likely where he's at."

The visiting side could have stayed within the match by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

Although England bowled 66 overs, Stokes did not use himself.

"He didn't bowl but that's probably a different discussion with him," said former New Zealand international Patel.

"I'm not entirely sure. We all know he never performs at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The last time Stokes curtailed his own bowling was on the final day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

He subsequently missed the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder problem.

Stokes has a reputation of driving himself to its absolute limit, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

England are on the verge of yet another defeat in Australia, once again likely to be beaten inside the first three Tests of the series.

If the visitors' defeat is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been decided in 10 days – the first and second Tests were over in short periods respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight days of play to win in England, has the winner of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a first goal is to prolong the game into a fifth day, England will also have to pull off the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

"I still believe there's an opportunity for us," stated Patel. "It will be difficult, we're going to need something magical. I think it's high time we witnessed something special from us."

"Three games in, we've thrown some but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to throw some haymakers."