Key Highlights
- England captain Ben Stokes is “knackered” but “fit to bowl.”
- Australia moves to 271-4 in their second innings with a lead of 356.
- Batting for over five hours, Stokes makes 83 runs and faces 198 balls.
- Stokes’ absence from bowling is curious given the importance of the match.
England’s Ashes Struggles Continue: A Closer Look at Ben Stokes’ Condition
The current state of the 2025 Ashes Test series between England and Australia has taken another turn, with England’s captain, Ben Stokes, described as “knackered” but still fit to bowl. Assistant coach Jeetan Patel provided insight into the all-rounder’s condition during day three of the third Test at Adelaide Oval.
Despite his efforts in the batting department, where he spent over five hours making 83 runs from 198 balls in England’s first innings, Stokes was struck by Mitchell Starc on the head and suffered bouts of cramp. He also had to leave the field temporarily due to a head injury sustained while attempting to make a stop.
The Importance of Ben Stokes’ Bowling
“He might be a bit tired and just need a bit of time to himself right now,” said Patel, acknowledging that despite his fatigue, Stokes is “pretty fit to bowl.” However, the assistant coach also noted that Stokes has had an injury history, making any suggestion he may be carrying an issue particularly noteworthy. Given that Stokes’ absence from bowling on day three was curious, especially with England needing a strong performance to stay in the Ashes series.
Stokes’ involvement is crucial as the team stands 2-0 down and needs to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive. On Friday, England gave up an 85-run first-innings deficit but could have hung on with a better performance from their bowlers.
Stokes’ Injury History and Current Condition
“He didn’t bowl but that’s probably a different discussion with him,” Patel added. “I don’t actually know. We all know he doesn’t do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn’t bowl.” This decision comes from Stokes’ well-documented history of pushing his body to the limit and risking injury.
While Patel emphasized that Stokes goes “at 100%” when he feels capable, this test might be different given his current physical state.
The last time Stokes curtailed his own bowling was during a drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July. He subsequently missed the fifth Test due to a shoulder injury. With England facing another potentially decisive match on Saturday’s fourth day, they will need something magical from their star player.
Implications for the Ashes Series
The outcome of this match is critical as it could decide the fate of the series in just 10 days, a scenario not seen since 1921. If Australia secures victory on Saturday, they will have won the series with just three games played. England faces the challenge of pulling off one of the highest successful chases at Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes alive.
England’s assistant coach offered a rallying call: “I still believe there’s an opportunity for us.
It won’t be easy, we’re going to need something magical. It’s about time we saw something magical from us.” The pressure is on as both teams prepare for the final day of this pivotal Test match.
Despite the challenges, England’s chances are not entirely lost, but they will require exceptional performances across all departments if they hope to turn around their series fortunes and secure a victory in Adelaide.
Stay tuned for updates from Adelaide Oval, where history could be made or broken over the coming days.
