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England's captain Ben Stokes is said to be "exhausted" but still "fit and ready" to deliver overs, according to team coach Jeetan Patel, despite he did not bowl on the day three of a pivotal Ashes Test.

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

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

A Demanding Knock

During his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered bouts of cramp. He also required time off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the turf while trying to field the ball.

"He might be a little fatigued and just need a bit of 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 game."

Injury History Scrutiny

Given 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 nursing an issue draws considerable scrutiny.

Eager 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 trailing 2-0 and requiring a victory in Adelaide to keep their hopes of winning back the Ashes alive, England had given up 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 likely where he's at."

The visiting side could have remained in the contest by dismissing 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.

Even though 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 never performs at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a risk, 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 was absent for the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder problem.

Stokes has a history of pushing his body past breaking point, 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 completed on day four, it would mean the destination 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 victor of an Ashes series been decided this quickly.

A Formidable Challenge

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 ongoing.

"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 about time we saw something special from us."

"Three games in, we've landed some blows but absorbed many. It's time, now we're backed into a corner, to throw some haymakers."