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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, even though he abstained from bowling on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes deployed a quintet of alternative bowlers as Australia progressed to 271-4 in their follow-on, establishing a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

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

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was hit on the helmet by Mitchell Starc and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on Friday after banging his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

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

"Based on my knowledge, he's quite ready 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

Considering his chequered injury history – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the star all-rounder might be carrying a problem draws significant attention.

Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was curious 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 winning back the Ashes alive, England had given up a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.

"All I know 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 probably where he's at."

The tourists could have remained in the match by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

Even though 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'm not entirely sure. We all know he never performs 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 last 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 problem.

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 another loss 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 outcome of the Ashes has been determined in just ten 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 determined so swiftly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a primary objective is to extend this match into a final day, England will also have to pull off the greatest run-chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series alive.

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

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