Jeetan Patel confirmed that Ben Stokes was physically fit to play in the third Ashes Test, despite concerns about his workload. However, Patel also stated that Stokes was too 'knackered' to contribute with the ball during the crucial match. This insight sheds light on the challenges faced by England's all-rounder.
Stokes, known for his dynamic all-round abilities, was confined to a batting-only role in the ongoing third Ashes Test. His inability to bowl placed additional pressure on the rest of England's bowling attack as they sought to contain the Australian lineup.
Stokes' Batting Effort
Despite his physical exhaustion preventing him from bowling, Ben Stokes delivered a significant performance with the bat. He top-scored for England, registering a score of 83 runs. His contribution was vital in an innings where England struggled to establish a dominant position against the Australian bowlers.
This critical knock from Stokes represented a lone beacon of resistance for England in the third Ashes Test. His individual effort, while impressive, was not enough to prevent the team from losing control of the match dynamics.
Australia Dominates Match
England's collective struggles allowed Australia to build a commanding lead. At the close of play, specifically at Stumps, Australia had surged ahead, establishing a substantial advantage of 356 runs over England. This significant lead puts Australia in a strong position in the third Ashes Test.
England Faces Uphill Battle
The substantial deficit means England faces a formidable challenge to recover control and salvage a positive result in the third Ashes Test. The team's inability to fully utilize Ben Stokes' bowling capabilities, coupled with Australia's dominant performance, has created a tough scenario.
