Assistant coach Jeetan Patel said England captain Ben Stokes was “knackered” but “fit to bowl” despite not bowling on Day 3 of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Even after Australia reached 271 for 4 in their second innings, increasing their total lead to 356 runs, Stokes did not bring himself on to bowl. On a sweltering hot day, England used five additional bowlers over the course of 66 overs, but Stokes’s ball control was lacking as Travis Head and Alex Carey hit Will Jacks’s part-time offspin, which gave up 107 runs at an economy rate of 5.6.
Stokes had previously made 83 in England’s opening innings while spending almost five hours at the crease over two days.
Harry Brook momentarily assumed captaincy after he appeared to suffer from cramping during his 198-ball stint in the 40 degree heat and later had to leave the pitch after striking his head on the ground while fielding.
“He might be a bit tired and just needs a bit of time to himself right now,” Patel stated. “I think he’s in good enough shape to bowl. I believe that he is simply exhausted and has exerted a lot of energy to reach this stage of the game.”
Given the Ashes on the line and his recent injury history, Stokes’ absence from the bowling assault was particularly noticeable. It was anticipated that Stokes would be able to use the new ball as Brydon Carse was proving to be costly with it, but he restrained himself.
Patel speculated that Stokes’s choice to not bowl at all might have something to do with managing his workload.
“All I know is he goes at 100%,” Patel remarked. “If he thinks he can’t do it at 100%, I don’t think he’s going to do it.”
With Australia solidly in control going into the fourth day of the series, England is behind 2-0 and will have a difficult task in Adelaide.
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