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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "fit and ready" to bowl, according to team coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the third day of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized a quintet of alternative bowlers as the Australian side progressed to 271-4 in their second innings, building a substantial advantage 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 Grueling Innings

Throughout his marathon 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by a fast bowler and experienced bouts of cramp. 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 little fatigued and just require some time to himself right now," stated Patel.

"From what I understand, he's quite ready to bowl. I think he's just really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to reach this point in the match."

Past Fitness Concerns

Given his complicated injury history – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's last four series – any indication the Durham man might be carrying a problem draws significant attention.

Always keen to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' decision not to bowl 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 aspirations of winning back the Ashes alive, England had conceded 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 likely where he's at."

The visiting side could have stayed within the match by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second innings 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 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 liability, so he didn't bowl."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The last time Stokes curtailed his own 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 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 pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

Facing Imminent Loss

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 sealed on day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been determined in 10 days – the first and second Tests 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 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 alive.

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

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to fight back fiercely."