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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" 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 deployed five other 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 spent over five hours at the crease over two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Grueling Innings

During his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the ground while attempting a stop.

"He might 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 reach this point in the match."

Past Fitness Concerns

Given his chequered injury past – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any indication the star all-rounder might be carrying a problem draws considerable scrutiny.

Eager to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was puzzling 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 conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"All I know is he goes 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 contest by bowling out 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.

Although England delivered 66 overs, Stokes did not use himself.

"He didn't bowl but that's probably a different discussion with him," noted 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."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The most recent occasion Stokes limited his bowling was on the last 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 driving himself 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 stand on the edge of yet another defeat in Australia, once again probably facing defeat 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 just ten days – the first and second Tests 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 winner of an Ashes series been determined so swiftly.

A Formidable Challenge

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 opportunity for us," stated Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we saw something special from us."

"After three matches, 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."