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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "exhausted" but still "physically able" to deliver overs, per team coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the day three of a pivotal Ashes Test.

Stokes deployed five other bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their second innings, building a commanding lead of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

The versatile all-rounder had earlier spent over five hours at the wicket over two days to score 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his extended 198-ball stay, 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 ground while attempting a stop.

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

"From what I understand, he's quite ready to bowl. I think he's just pretty knackered and he's expended a great deal out of himself to get through this point in the game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his complicated 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 heat of battle, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was curious given it was England's last chance to remain alive in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and requiring a victory in Adelaide to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive, 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 likely where he's at."

The tourists could have stayed within the contest by bowling out Australia for around 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

Although England bowled 66 overs, Stokes chose not to bowl.

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a separate conversation with him," said ex-New Zealand player 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 last time 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 past breaking point, and it was put to Patel that the captain felt he might have risked injury if he exerted himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

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

If the visitors' defeat is sealed on day four, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided 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 winner of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a first goal 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 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 witnessed something special from us."

"Three games in, we've thrown some but taken a lot. It's time, now we're backed into a corner, to throw some haymakers."