Stokes Knackered but Fit to Bowl as England Fights to Stay Alive in Ashes
England captain Ben Stokes fights fatigue but remains available to bowl as Australia edges ahead in Adelaide, keeping England’s Ashes hopes alive.
Ben Stokes, England's captain and all rounder, is worn out after a demanding start to the Ashes series but remains ready to bowl. England face a crucial moment in Adelaide as Australia builds a solid lead.
Australia moved to 271 for 4 in their second innings, taking a lead beyond 350 as the match unfolds at the Adelaide Oval. England turned to five bowlers in a bid to slow the progress.
Stokes contributed 83 runs from 198 balls in England's first innings, a lengthy innings that included a blow to the head from Mitchell Starc and cramps that forced him off the field on occasion.
Patel suggested Stokes is likely tired and could benefit from a short break, but stressed that the captain is capable of bowling. He noted that Stokes tends to give his all and would bowl only if he believes he can perform at full pace.
Stokes has not bowled a full workload in England's last four series, a detail that has drawn attention whenever his availability is in question. His absence from the attack on Friday raised eyebrows as England looked for a late push to stay in the game.
England trailed 2-0 and needed a victory in Adelaide to keep their Ashes chances alive. They were 85 behind on the first innings and fluctuated at 53-2 and 149-4, before Australia stretched the lead thanks to Travis Head's unbeaten 142.
England bowled 66 overs in the day, but Stokes did not bowl. Patel offered a frank assessment, suggesting Stokes would not bowl unless he could do so at 100 percent.
The broader picture remains challenging for England, who look set to lose the series in this phase of the tour. Not since 1921 has the Ashes been decided so swiftly, with Australia pressing toward victory in under ten days of play. If England can force a fifth day, they would need a remarkable chase at Adelaide to keep the series alive.
Patel ended with a note of cautious optimism, saying there is still a glimmer of hope for England and that the team must seize a moment of magic to turn the tide.
Expert comment
Patel stressed that Stokes gives his all on every ball and would not risk his fitness. The captain's ability to bowl or not will continue to shape England's chances as the series progresses.
Short summary
Stokes is clearly fatigued but available to bowl, a critical factor for England as they chase an unlikely revival in the Ashes. The day at Adelaide delivered drama and pressure, and England will need standout contributions from multiple players to manufacture a comeback.
Key insight: Even when exhausted, Stokes remains central to England's plans as they chase a potential Ashes miracle at Adelaide. BBC Sport
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