England's Test captain Ben Stokes has been declared "fit to bowl" despite sitting out the entire bowling effort on day three of the crucial third Ashes encounter in Adelaide, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel.
The all-rounder did not turn his arm over as Australia compiled 271 for four in their second innings, establishing a formidable 356-run advantage.
"From what I understand, he's pretty fit to bowl," Patel told reporters following Friday's play.
"I think he's just pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to get through to this point in the game."
Ben Stokes was curiously missing from England's bowling attack
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The 34-year-old's curious absence from the attack raised eyebrows given England's desperate need for victory.
Stokes had endured a gruelling stint at the crease beforehand, occupying the middle for over five hours across the second and third days whilst compiling a top score of 83 from 198 deliveries.
The Durham man's marathon effort came in punishing conditions, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius at the Adelaide Oval.
During his innings, Stokes was visibly troubled by cramping in the searing heat and also took a blow to the head from a Mitchell Starc delivery.
Further concern arose when the captain was forced to leave the field briefly after striking his head on the ground whilst attempting to stop the ball, with Harry Brook temporarily assuming leadership duties.
Ben Stokes 'will be fit to bowl', said assistant coach Jeetan Patel
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Travis Head proved the chief tormentor for England's bowlers, striking a superb unbeaten 142 to guide Australia into a commanding position heading into the fourth day.
The hosts had wobbled at 53 for two and again at 149 for four, offering England fleeting hope of restricting the damage.
Yet without Stokes' medium pace to call upon, the tourists deployed five alternative bowlers across 66 overs on a sweltering afternoon.
Part-time off-spinner Will Jacks bore the brunt of the Australian assault, conceding 107 runs at an economy rate of 5.6 as Head and wicketkeeper Alex Carey capitalised on the lack of control.
England's first-innings deficit of 85 now appears increasingly costly.
Patel offered insight into Stokes' mindset, noting the captain's all-or-nothing approach to his craft.
Australia are closing in on retaining The Ashes | REUTERS"We all know he doesn't do anything at 80 per cent," the former New Zealand international explained.
"Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl."
The assistant coach added: "If he thinks he can't do it at 100 per cent, I don't think he's going to do it."
Travis Head's magnificent unbeaten 142 left Australia 356 runs ahead at stumps on day three in Adelaide
| REUTERSWith England trailing 2-0 in the series and requiring victory to keep their Ashes hopes alive, Patel called for inspiration over the remaining two days.
"I still believe there's an opportunity for us," he said. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical."