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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "exhausted" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, even though he abstained from bowling on the third day of a critical Ashes Test.

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

The versatile all-rounder had previously battled for more than five hours at the crease across two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by a fast bowler and experienced muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on Friday after banging his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

"He could be a little fatigued and just need a bit of time to himself right now," commented 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 complicated injury past – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's previous four series – any indication the Durham man might be carrying a problem draws considerable scrutiny.

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

At trailing 2-0 and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of winning back the Ashes intact, England had conceded a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.

"All I know 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 visiting side could have remained in the match by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

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

"He didn't bowl but that's perhaps a different discussion with him," noted ex-New Zealand player Patel.

"I don't actually know. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a liability, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

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

He subsequently was absent for the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder injury.

Stokes has a reputation of pushing his body to its absolute limit, and it was put to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he exerted himself any further in Adelaide.

Facing Imminent Loss

England are on the verge of another loss in Australia, once again likely to be beaten inside the first three Tests of the series.

If the tourists' loss is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been determined in 10 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 victor of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

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

"I remain convinced there's an chance for us," said Patel. "It will be difficult, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we saw something special from us."

"Three games in, we've thrown some but taken a lot. It's time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."