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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the third day of a pivotal Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized five other bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their follow-on, building a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

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

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the ground while attempting a stop.

"He could be a little fatigued and just need a bit of time to himself right now," stated Patel.

"Based on my knowledge, he's pretty fit to bowl. I think he's just really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to get through this point in the game."

Past Fitness Concerns

Considering his complicated injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any suggestion the star all-rounder might be nursing an issue draws significant attention.

Always keen to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was curious given it was England's final opportunity to stay in the Ashes series.

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

"All I know is he operates 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 match by bowling out Australia for around 240 in their second knock and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to pull away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

Even though England bowled 66 overs, Stokes chose not to bowl.

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a separate conversation 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 last time Stokes limited his bowling was on the final day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

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

Stokes has a history of pushing his body past breaking point, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he exerted himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

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

If the tourists' loss is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, 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 victor of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a first goal 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 alive.

"I remain convinced there's an opportunity for us," stated Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's high time we saw something magical from us."

"Three games in, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to fight back fiercely."