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Ben Stokes' bowling further in the Ashes a massive doubt! England Captain breaks down

Akshita Patel

Ben Stokes decided against bowling in third Ashes Test [Source: @CODESports/X.com]Ben Stokes decided against bowling in third Ashes Test [Source: @CODESports/X.com]

England’s Ashes campaign in Adelaide took another worrying turn on Day 3 as questions grew over Ben Stokes’ ability to bowl. Despite being one of his team’s most effective bowlers this series, the captain did not send himself on at all during Australia’s second innings.

Stokes had bowled 19 overs in Australia’s first innings, all on day one, and came into the match with England’s best bowling average of the series. 

Yet, as Australia piled on the runs across 66 overs on Day 3, Stokes remained a bystander with the ball. 

Is Ben Stokes fit to bowl in the Ashes 2025?

.England assistant coach Jeetan Patel admitted there was uncertainty around Ben Stokes’ condition. 

While he suggested the captain was technically fit to bowl, Patel believed exhaustion played a major role. Stokes, he said, does nothing at half pace and may have chosen not to bowl if he felt there was any risk.

"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 this point in the game. From what we heard he was (fit). He didn't bowl, but that's probably a different discussion with him. I don't actually know. My sense is he's just pretty knackered. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl," Patel said in press conference.

Even so, Patel urged England to believe. With the Ashes slipping away and a massive target looming, he called for something magical from the team.

"I'm very optimistic of where we could take it. I still believe there's an opportunity for us. It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's about time we saw something magical from us, you know? Three games in, we've thrown some but taken a lot and I think it's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to throw some haymakers back," he added.

That being said, England started Day 3 with some hope. They struck early, reducing Australia to 53/2 and later 149/4, briefly keeping the contest alive. 

But Travis Head’s second century of the series, supported by a fluent half-century from Alex Carey, turned the game decisively. By stumps, Australia had stretched their lead to a daunting 356 runs.

Ben Stokes battled cramps while batting

The toll on Ben Stokes has been visible. Earlier in the day, he had battled his way to hit 83 off 198 balls in England’s first innings, spending over five hours at the crease. 

Much of that effort came in extreme heat, with temperatures crossing 40°C on Day 2.  He was seen battling cramps, struggling to refuel properly, and stretching regularly between deliveries. 

That could have played a role in his bowling restrictions. Ben Stokes is expected to be monitored overnight before he steps out on Day 4.