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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he abstained from bowling on the third day of a pivotal Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized a quintet of alternative bowlers as the Australian side progressed to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.

The dynamic player had previously spent over five hours at the crease across two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his extended 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the ground while attempting a stop.

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

"Based on my knowledge, he's pretty fit to bowl. I think he's just pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to get through this point in the match."

Past Fitness Concerns

Considering his chequered injury past – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the Durham man might be nursing an issue draws significant attention.

Always keen to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was curious given it was England's final opportunity to remain alive in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of regaining the urn intact, England had given up a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"My understanding is he goes at 100%," remarked Patel. "If he thinks he can't do it at 100%, I don't think he's going to do it. That's probably where he's at."

The tourists could have stayed within the contest by bowling out Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had slim hopes at certain scorelines, only for the home team to pull away through Travis Head's not out 142.

Even though England delivered 66 overs, Stokes did not use himself.

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a different discussion with him," noted ex-New Zealand player Patel.

"I'm not entirely sure. 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 subsequently missed the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder injury.

Stokes has a history of driving himself past breaking point, 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 yet another defeat in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the tourists' loss is completed on day four, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided in just ten days – the first and second Tests were over in short periods respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight playing days to win in England, has the winner of an Ashes series been determined so swiftly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a primary objective is to extend this match into a fifth day, England will also have to pull off the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

"I remain convinced there's an chance for us," said Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we witnessed something special from us."

"Three games in, we've landed some blows but taken a lot. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to fight back fiercely."