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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "worn out" but still "physically able" to bowl, according to team coach Jeetan Patel, despite he did not bowl on the third day of a pivotal Ashes Test.

Stokes deployed a quintet of alternative bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their follow-on, building a commanding lead of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

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

A Grueling Innings

During his marathon 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by a fast bowler and experienced muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on the previous day after banging his head on the ground while trying to field the ball.

"He might be a bit tired and just require some 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 get through this point in the game."

Injury History Scrutiny

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

Eager to be in the thick of the action, 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 needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of winning back the Ashes alive, England had given up a first-innings deficit 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 visiting side could have stayed within the match by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second knock and had slim hopes 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 chose not to bowl.

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

"I don't actually know. 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 most recent occasion Stokes curtailed his own bowling was on the final 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 pushing his body to its absolute limit, 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 stand on the edge of another loss in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the first three Tests of the series.

If the visitors' defeat is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided 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 victor 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 pull off the greatest run-chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series alive.

"I remain convinced there's an opportunity for us," said Patel. "It will be difficult, we're going to need something extraordinary. I think it's about time we saw something special from us."

"After three matches, we've thrown some but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."