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The team skipper Ben Stokes is reportedly "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 five other bowlers as the Australian side progressed to 271-4 in their second innings, establishing a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.

The versatile all-rounder had earlier battled for more than five hours at the crease across two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.

A Demanding Knock

Throughout his extended 198-ball innings, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by Mitchell Starc and experienced bouts of cramp. He also required time off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

"He might 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 really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to get through this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Given his complicated injury past – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's previous four series – any indication the star all-rounder might be nursing an issue draws considerable scrutiny.

Always keen to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' decision not to bowl on Friday was puzzling given it was England's last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

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

"All I know 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 probably where he's at."

The visiting side could have remained in the contest by bowling out 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 not out 142.

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

"He abstained from bowling but that's probably a separate conversation with him," noted ex-New Zealand player Patel.

"I'm not entirely sure. We all know he never performs at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, so he didn't bowl."

Past Instances and Current Strain

The most recent occasion Stokes curtailed his own bowling was on the final 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 problem.

Stokes has a history of driving himself 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 are on the verge of yet another defeat in Australia, once again probably facing defeat inside the first three Tests of the series.

If the tourists' loss is completed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the destination 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 days of play to win in England, has the winner of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a primary objective is to prolong the game into a fifth day, England will also have to pull off the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series ongoing.

"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 witnessed something magical from us."

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