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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "exhausted" but still "fit and ready" to bowl, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, even though he abstained from bowling on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes deployed 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 spent over five hours at the crease across two days to score 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Grueling Innings

During his marathon 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by Mitchell Starc and experienced muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after banging his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

"He might be a little fatigued 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 really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to get through this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his complicated injury past – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the Durham man might be carrying a problem attracts significant attention.

Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was puzzling given it was England's final opportunity to stay in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 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 likely where he's at."

The visiting side could have remained in the match by bowling out Australia for approximately 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

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

"He abstained from bowling but that's perhaps a different discussion with him," noted 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."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The last time Stokes limited his bowling was on the last day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

He afterwards missed 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 exerted himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

England stand on the edge of another loss in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the tourists' loss is completed on day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been determined in just ten 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 Formidable Challenge

If a first goal is to extend this match into a fifth day, England will also have to achieve the greatest run-chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

"I still believe there's an opportunity for us," said Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's high time we witnessed something magical from us."

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but taken a lot. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to fight back fiercely."