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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "exhausted" but still "physically able" to bowl, according to team 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 progressed to 271-4 in their second innings, building a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.

The dynamic player had earlier spent over five hours at the wicket across two days to score 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by Mitchell Starc and experienced bouts of cramp. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the ground while trying to field the ball.

"He could be a little fatigued and just require some time to himself right now," commented Patel.

"Based on my knowledge, he's quite ready 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 chequered injury history – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's last four series – any indication the star all-rounder might be nursing an issue 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 last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of winning back the Ashes alive, England had conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"My understanding 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 tourists could have remained in the contest 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 not out 142.

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

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a separate conversation with him," said former New Zealand international Patel.

"I'm not entirely sure. We all know he never performs at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a liability, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

The most recent occasion Stokes limited his bowling was on the final 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 to its absolute limit, and it was suggested to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

England are on the verge of another loss 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 outcome of the Ashes has been determined in 10 days – the first and second Tests were over in short periods 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 prolong the game into a fifth day, England will also have to achieve the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

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

"After three matches, we've thrown some but taken a lot. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to fight back fiercely."