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The team skipper Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "fit and ready" to bowl, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, even though he abstained from bowling on the day three of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized a quintet of alternative bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had earlier battled for more than five hours at the wicket across two days to score 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Grueling Innings

During his marathon 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the turf while attempting a stop.

"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 really exhausted and he's taken a lot out of himself to get through this point in the game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Given his complicated injury past – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's previous four series – any suggestion the star all-rounder 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 hopes of regaining the urn intact, England had given up a first-innings lead 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 contest by bowling out Australia for around 240 in their second knock and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the hosts to pull away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

Even though England bowled 66 overs, Stokes did not use himself.

"He didn't bowl 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 last time Stokes limited his 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 injury.

Stokes has a history of driving himself to its absolute limit, 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 likely to be beaten 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 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 victor of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

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

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