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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "worn out" but still "fit and ready" to bowl, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he did not bowl on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized a quintet of alternative bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had earlier spent over five hours at the wicket over two days to compile 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his marathon 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after banging his head on the turf while attempting a stop.

"He might be a bit tired and just need a bit of time to himself right now," stated Patel.

"From what I understand, he's pretty fit to bowl. I think he's just pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to reach this point in the game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his chequered injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any indication the Durham man might be nursing an issue attracts considerable scrutiny.

Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was curious given it was England's last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

At 2-0 down and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of regaining the urn intact, England had conceded a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.

"All I know is he operates at 100%," said Patel. "If he thinks he can't do it at 100%, I don't think he's going to do it. That's likely where he's at."

The visiting side could have remained in the match by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had slim hopes at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the home team to pull away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

Although England delivered 66 overs, Stokes chose not to bowl.

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a different discussion with him," said former New Zealand international Patel.

"I don't actually know. We all know he never performs at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

The most recent occasion Stokes limited his bowling was on the final day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

He afterwards missed the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder problem.

Stokes has a reputation of driving himself to its absolute limit, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

Facing Imminent Loss

England are on the verge of another loss in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the visitors' defeat is completed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been decided in just ten days – the opening two matches were over in short periods respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight days of play to win in England, has the winner of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a first goal is to prolong the game into a fifth day, England will also have to achieve the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series alive.

"I still believe there's an opportunity for us," stated Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's about time we witnessed something special from us."

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."