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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "worn out" but still "physically able" to bowl, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he abstained from bowling on the third day of a pivotal Ashes Test.

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

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

A Grueling Innings

During his marathon 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was hit on the helmet by Mitchell Starc and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the ground while trying to field the ball.

"He could be a bit tired and just require some time to himself right now," stated Patel.

"From what I understand, he's pretty fit 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 match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his complicated injury history – 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 considerable scrutiny.

Always keen to be in the thick of the action, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was puzzling given it was England's final opportunity to remain alive in the Ashes series.

At 2-0 down and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive, England had conceded a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.

"All I know is he operates 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 remained in the contest by bowling out Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the home team to accelerate away through Travis Head's not out 142.

Although England bowled 66 overs, Stokes did not use himself.

"He didn't bowl but that's probably a different discussion with him," said ex-New Zealand player 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."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The last time Stokes limited his bowling was on the final day of the drawn fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July.

He afterwards 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 pushed himself any further in Adelaide.

On the Brink of Defeat

England are on the verge of another loss in Australia, once again likely to be beaten inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the visitors' defeat is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been determined in 10 days – the opening two matches 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 determined so swiftly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a first goal 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 still believe there's an opportunity for us," said Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's high time we saw something special from us."

"Three games in, we've thrown some but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're backed into a corner, to fight back fiercely."