MANCHESTER — England captain Ben Stokes' fitness remains a major talking point ahead of the final day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, with the team management adopting a "wait and see" approach regarding his ability to bowl. Stokes, who has been managing a chronic left knee injury throughout the series, bowled just five overs in Australia's second innings on day four before visibly struggling with discomfort.
Head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed the uncertainty post-play, stating, "We'll assess Ben overnight. He's a warrior, and if there's any chance he can contribute with the ball, he'll put his hand up. But we have to be smart given his long-term workload." England, trailing 2-1 in the series, need a win to keep their Ashes hopes alive, making Stokes' potential bowling role pivotal on a pitch showing increasing uneven bounce.
Stokes' Knee Struggles: A Persistent Concern
The 32-year-old all-rounder underwent surgery in November 2021 to address a torn left quadriceps and has since managed recurring knee pain. Despite reducing his bowling workload in recent years, Stokes has delivered 42 overs this series—his highest tally since the 2020-21 Ashes. Former England fast bowler Steven Finn noted on BBC Test Match Special: "You could see him wincing after landing awkwardly today. That's not something you can just push through."
Key concerns for England's medical staff:
- Risk of exacerbation: Further bowling could aggravate tendon damage
- Fielding limitations: Reduced mobility at slip or mid-wicket
- Long-term implications: With the 2023 ODI World Cup approaching, protecting Stokes is paramount
Alternative Bowling Options
Should Stokes be unavailable, England may turn to part-time options like Joe Root (who dismissed Travis Head on day four) or Harry Brook. However, the bulk of the workload would fall to:
- James Anderson (1-34 in 2nd innings)
- Stuart Broad (2-34)
- Mark Wood (whose express pace yielded 3-27 in Australia's first innings)
Australia, requiring 162 more runs with five wickets in hand, have their own injury concerns. All-rounder Cameron Green appeared to favor his right hamstring while batting, though assistant coach Daniel Vettori downplayed the issue: "Cam's moving fine between the wickets. We expect him to bowl if needed tomorrow."
Weather Could Play Decisive Role
The Manchester forecast shows a 60% chance of afternoon showers, potentially disrupting England's push for victory. The hosts need all 98 overs bowled to force a result, with umpires likely to extend play by 30 minutes if rain intervenes. Groundsman Karl McDermott confirmed the pitch has reached "day five hardness," with visible footmarks outside the left-hander's off-stump.
Tactical Considerations
England's approach may hinge on:
- New ball availability: Due in 8 overs at start of play
- Marnus Labuschagne's resilience (44* off 120 balls)
- Mitchell Marsh's counterattack potential (batting on 1*)
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting observed: "England's field placements were too defensive late today. If Stokes can't bowl, they'll need to attack with Wood's short-ball barrage early tomorrow—especially at Alex Carey, who has looked vulnerable against the rising delivery."
Historical Context
Old Trafford has witnessed dramatic fifth-day finishes before, most notably in 2005 when England bowled out Australia for 242 to clinch a two-wicket win. Current bowling coach David Lewis was part of that squad and reportedly shared insights with the team. However, since 2010, only 12% of Tests at this venue have produced a positive result on day five.
Stokes himself has previous heroics in must-win Ashes Tests, memorably taking 3-56 at The Oval in 2019. But as journalist Elizabeth Ammon noted: "That was pre-knee issues. The reality is England may need to win this with their specialist bowlers—Stokes the tactician rather than Stokes the all-rounder."
The morning session could prove decisive. Australia require another 162 runs with five wickets remaining—a scenario that statistically favors the batting side (teams have successfully chased 150+ in the fourth innings 58% of times in the past decade). Yet with overcast conditions expected and England's desperation palpable, cricket fans worldwide are braced for a thrilling conclusion.
As McCullum summarized: "This is why we play Test cricket—these knife-edge moments. Whether Ben bowls or not, we've got 11 blokes out there who'll leave everything on that field tomorrow." The final day begins at 11am local time, with Australia at 214/5 chasing 384.