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

Stokes deployed five other bowlers as Australia progressed to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had previously battled for more than five hours at the wicket over two days to compile 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his marathon 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 Friday after hitting his head on the ground 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 expended a great deal out of himself to reach this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his chequered injury past – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's previous four series – any indication the star all-rounder might be carrying a problem attracts considerable scrutiny.

Always keen to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was curious given it was England's last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

At 2-0 down and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of winning back the Ashes intact, England had given up a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.

"My understanding is he operates 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 probably where he's at."

The tourists could have remained in the match by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second knock and had slim hopes at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

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

"He abstained from bowling but that's perhaps a different discussion with him," said ex-New Zealand player 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."

Past Instances and Current Strain

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 afterwards was absent for the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder problem.

Stokes has a history of driving himself 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.

Facing Imminent Loss

England are on the verge of yet another defeat in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the tourists' loss is completed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided in 10 days – the first and second Tests were over in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight playing days to win in England, has the winner of an Ashes series been determined so swiftly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a first goal is to extend this match into a fifth 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 won't be easy, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we saw something magical from us."

"Three games in, we've thrown some but taken a lot. It's time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."