Skipper Stokes Feels 'Knackered' Yet Insists He's 'Ready to Bowl'

The team skipper Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the third day of a pivotal Ashes Test.

Stokes deployed five other bowlers as Australia 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 crease across two days to score 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his extended 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

"He could be a bit tired and just require some 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 taken a lot out of himself to reach this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his chequered 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 attracts considerable scrutiny.

Eager to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was puzzling 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 regaining the urn alive, England had conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"My understanding is he operates 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 tourists could have stayed within the contest by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

Although England bowled 66 overs, Stokes chose not to bowl.

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a different discussion with him," noted ex-New Zealand player Patel.

"I don't actually know. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a liability, so he didn't bowl."

Past Instances and Current Strain

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

He afterwards missed 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 risked injury 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 day four, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided in just ten days – the first and second Tests were over in two and four days respectively.

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

A Formidable Challenge

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

"I remain convinced there's an chance 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."

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but taken a lot. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to fight back fiercely."