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The team skipper Ben Stokes is said to be "worn out" but still "physically able" to bowl, per team coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl 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, building a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had previously spent over five hours at the wicket across two days to compile 83 runs in England's first innings.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his marathon 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and experienced muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on the previous day after banging his head on the turf 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 quite ready to bowl. I think he's just pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to get through this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Given his chequered injury past – 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.

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 intact, England had conceded a first-innings lead of 85 runs.

"All I know is he operates 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 tourists could have remained in the match by bowling out Australia for around 240 in their second innings and had slim hopes at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the home team 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 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 limited his bowling was on the last day of the drawn 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 pushing his body past breaking point, and it was put 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 first three Tests of the series.

If the visitors' defeat is sealed on day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been decided in just ten days – the first and second Tests were over in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia needed only eight playing days 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 final 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," stated Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's about time we saw 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 fight back fiercely."