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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "exhausted" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, according to team coach Jeetan Patel, despite he abstained from bowling on the day three of a pivotal Ashes Test.

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

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

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time 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 get through this point in the game."

Past Fitness Concerns

Given his chequered injury history – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's last four series – any indication the Durham man might be nursing an issue attracts significant attention.

Eager 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 2-0 down and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of regaining the urn intact, England had conceded 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 likely where he's at."

The tourists could have stayed within the contest by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second innings and had faint chances 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 did not use himself.

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

"I'm not entirely sure. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

The most recent occasion Stokes curtailed his own bowling was on the final day of the tied 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 reputation of pushing his body past breaking point, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have risked injury if he pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

Facing Imminent Loss

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

If the tourists' loss is sealed on day four, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been determined in 10 days – the opening two matches were over in two and four days 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 primary objective is to extend this match into a final day, England will also have to achieve the greatest run-chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

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

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