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

Stokes deployed a quintet of alternative bowlers as the Australian side moved to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a commanding lead of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

The dynamic player had previously battled for more than five hours at the wicket across two days to compile 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the turf while attempting a stop.

"He could be a bit tired 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 game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his chequered injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any suggestion the Durham man might be carrying a problem attracts significant attention.

Always keen to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was puzzling given it was England's last chance to remain alive in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and requiring a victory in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of winning back the Ashes intact, England had given up a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"My understanding is he goes 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 visiting side could have stayed within the contest by dismissing 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.

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

"He didn't bowl but that's perhaps a different discussion with him," noted former New Zealand international Patel.

"I'm not entirely sure. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a liability, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

The last time Stokes curtailed his own 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 injury.

Stokes has a reputation 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.

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 day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been determined in just ten days – the opening two matches were over in short periods respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight playing days 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 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 ongoing.

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

"Three games in, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."