England give Ben Stokes fitness update after bowling absence on Day 3 of the third Ashes Test against Australia
Updated 19/12/2025 at 08:47 GMT
England's spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel has given fans an update on Ben Stokes' fitness after a difficult day in the third Test of the NRMA Insurance men's Ashes. Patel admitted that the series had taken its toll on Stokes. However, he also insists that the 34-year-old star is ready to continue as the visitors look to find a way back into the series.
England unsure on Stokes fitness after bowling absence
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England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel has confirmed that the opening three Tests of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes have taken their toll on Ben Stokes.
The England captain did not bowl during Australia’s second innings at the Adelaide Oval.
Travis Head produced another stunning knock of 142 as the hosts ended Day 3 of the third Test 356 runs ahead with six wickets remaining.
Patel says Stokes is fit enough to continue in the series despite another difficult few days Down Under.
"He is ok from what we understand," he said.
"We don’t really know just yet.
"You know he is the sort of character who leaves everything out there.
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"I think he has spent a lot of time out there trying to do that for this England team so far, and it may have taken a little bit of a toll.
"We will see."
Stokes did bowl during the first innings of the third Test after Australia won the toss and elected to bat.
However, the 34-year-old was far from his best, failing to take any wickets across 19 overs with the ball in hand and conceding 53 runs. Australia finish their first innings on 371 all out.
He did impress with the bat top-scoring for the visitors with a knock of 83.
That helped England to 286 all out in their visit to the crease.
However, Heads’ second century of the series meant Australia finished Day Three on 271-4.
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Stokes’ side needs a Christmas miracle to stand any chance of fighting their way back into the series.
Another Head century inspired Australia to an eight-wicket win in the opening Test in Perth last month.
The hosts followed that up with a second eight-wicket win in the following Test in Brisbane despite a superb century from Joe Root.
If England can somehow rescue something from the third Test, then they will look ahead to the fourth Test, which will get underway in Melbourne on December 26.
Watch every ball of the 2025/26 Ashes on TNT Sports and discovery+
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