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

Stokes deployed a quintet of alternative bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their follow-on, building a commanding lead of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

The dynamic player had earlier spent over five hours at the wicket across two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his marathon 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered 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 little fatigued 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 pretty knackered and he's taken a lot out of himself to reach this point in the match."

Past Fitness Concerns

Considering his chequered injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any indication the Durham man might be nursing an issue draws significant attention.

Eager 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 2-0 down 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.

"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 tourists could have remained in the match by bowling out Australia for approximately 240 in their second knock and had slim hopes at certain scorelines, 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 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 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 was absent for 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.

On the Brink of Defeat

England are on the verge of another loss in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the first three Tests of the series.

If the tourists' loss is sealed on day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been decided in 10 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 winner 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 achieve the greatest run-chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

"I remain convinced there's an chance for us," said Patel. "It won't be easy, we're going to need something magical. I think it's about time we saw something magical 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."