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England assistant coach Jeetan Patel has provided an update regarding captain Ben Stokes, stating that the all-rounder is fit to bowl for the remainder of third Ashes Test, though he remains visibly tired after a grueling day.
Stoked did not bowl an over in Australia’s second innings as the home side reached 271 for 4 at the end of the third day’s play.
The hosts had built a daunting 356-run lead, putting them firmly on course to retain the Ashes after winning the first two Tests.
Travis Head and Alex Carey finished the day with 142* and 52* runs respectively.
Ben Stokes, meanwhile, battled out five hours with 83 in England’s first innings. During his stay at the crease, he seemed to hobble and struggle with cramps under the scorching sun.
Following this, he also spent time off the field after hitting his head on the ground while fielding.
Speaking after the day’s play, Patel turned down any concerns regarding the Three Lions skipper.
“He is fit to bowl, he’s just pretty knackered,” he told reporters at the Adelaide Oval.
“From what I understand, he’s pretty fit to bowl. I think he’s just pretty knackered and he’s taken a lot out of himself to get through to this point in the game,” Patel added.
Patel added that Stokes always operates at full intensity and would not bowl if he felt he could not perform at 100%.
“All I know is he goes at 100%. If he thinks he can’t do it at 100%, I don’t think he’s going to do it,” he concluded.
