Patel plays down fears over Stokes’ bowling fitness

England assistant coach Jeetan Patel has played down concerns over Ben Stokes’ fitness to bowl, suggesting sheer exhaustion may have been the primary reason behind the captain’s absence from the attack on day three of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Stokes, who bowled 19 overs in Australia’s first innings, all on day one, did not turn his arm over during the hosts’ 66 overs on Friday, despite owning England’s best bowling average (25.87) in the series and leading the team’s wicket-taking charts in Tests in 2025 with 28 scalps.

His workload across the first three days was immense, having also spent over five hours at the crease while battling extreme heat and physical discomfort as he showcased unbelievable resilience at the crease.

Patel admitted there was no clear injury concern, but acknowledged the toll Stokes’ all-round efforts had taken on him.

“From what I understand, he's pretty fit to bowl,” said Patel.

“I think he's just pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to get through this point in the game.”

The assistant coach felt the emotional and physical investment of Stokes’ innings, which ended on 83, compounded the fatigue.

"The disappointment of the way he got out this morning, well not the way, it was a pretty good delivery, but all the work he had done to get to the position where he was, where we could press on again and push that partnership further, that took a lot out of him as well and then you get that early wicket and the energies are up and all of a sudden it's not quite where you think it's going.”

Ben Stokes celebrates his half century in Adelaide on December 19, 2025. // Getty Images

Patel also hinted that Stokes’ high standards may have influenced the decision.

“We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl.”

Despite Australia surging to an Ashes-sealing position with a dominant lead, Patel urged England to embrace the challenge ahead and fight back from a corner similar to the Ashes series in 2023.

“I'm very optimistic of where we could take it. It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical.”

“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.

Australia currently hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, with the hosts well placed to wrap up the Ashes in Adelaide as England search for a response that can revive their campaign.

Ashes schedule

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8