The suffering of Ben Stokes shone a light on his team’s torment in this Ashes series, with his colossal spirit coming at a price for his creaking body in a forlorn and surely futile quest.

After showing control and rhythm on the opening day, Archer returned early on day two to target Australia’s tail. The fast bowler finished with five wickets for 53 runs, registering his first Test five-for since 2019 and offering England a rare spark in an otherwise challenging contest.

Ricky Ponting is certain that ‘something is up’ with the England captain after noticing something before stumps.

England are nursing fears over Ben Stokes ' fitness to bowl in the remainder of the third Test after their captain did not turn to himself to stifle Australia's day-three march towards an Ashes-sealing victory in Adelaide.

The England captain knows what’s coming from the Australian quick – but is powerless to stop it. He has now been rolled 12 times in Tests by the champion left-armer.

Stokes’ reaction said everything. After being bowled by a late in-swinger that clattered into the stumps, the England skipper leapt in anger, flung his bat into the air, and muttered to himself during the long walk back to the pavilion. It was the release of a player who knew how close he had come to turning the match.

England assistant coach Jeetan Patel confirmed Ben Stokes is fit to bowl despite fatigue; Archer’s 5/53 shone, but Australia built a 356-run lead in the Adelaide Ashes Test with Carey and Head starring.

There’s every possibility that the third Test will be wrapped up by the end of the day and if so, it would mean this year’s Ashes would be won by Australia within ten days of cricket. According to BBC Sport, if that occurs, it will be the fastest Ashes series defeat in 104 years.

Vice-captain Harry Brook also admits he has to 'rein it in' after succumbing to 'shocking shots' across the first two Tests

A chain of cricket-based venues backed by Ben Stokes has fallen into administration. Sixes, which runs 16 cricket-themed entertainment venues across England, said it has entered administration following “challenging” recent trading. The hospitality business will immediately shut its site in Southampton as a result.