🔗 Share this article

The team skipper Ben Stokes is reportedly "exhausted" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, according to team coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized five other bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

The dynamic player had previously spent over five hours at the wicket over two days to score 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and experienced muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the ground while attempting a stop.

"He might be a little fatigued and just require some time to himself right now," commented Patel.

"Based on my knowledge, he's quite ready to bowl. I think he's just pretty knackered and he's expended a great deal out of himself to reach this point in the game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his complicated injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the star all-rounder might be nursing an issue draws significant attention.

Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was curious given it was England's last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

At 2-0 down and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of winning back the Ashes alive, England had conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"All I know is he goes at 100%," said 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 approximately 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to pull away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

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

"He didn't bowl but that's perhaps a different discussion with him," noted ex-New Zealand player Patel.

"I don't actually know. 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 tied fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

He subsequently was absent for the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder injury.

Stokes has a history of pushing his body past breaking point, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

Facing Imminent Loss

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

If the tourists' loss is sealed on day four, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been determined in 10 days – the opening two matches were over in short periods respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight days of play to win in England, has the victor of an Ashes series been determined so swiftly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a primary objective is to extend this match into a final 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," said Patel. "It will be difficult, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we saw something special from us."

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to throw some haymakers."