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The team skipper Ben Stokes is said to be "exhausted" but still "fit and ready" to deliver overs, per assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he abstained from bowling on the third day of a critical Ashes Test.

Stokes utilized five other bowlers as Australia moved to 271-4 in their second innings, building a substantial advantage of 356 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

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

A Grueling Innings

During his marathon 198-ball stay, the veteran cricketer was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on the previous day after hitting his head on the turf while attempting a stop.

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

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

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 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 last chance to stay in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their aspirations of regaining the urn alive, England had given up a first-innings lead 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 probably where he's at."

The visiting side could have remained in the contest by dismissing Australia for around 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at certain scorelines, only for the hosts to pull away through Travis Head's not out 142.

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

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

"I don't actually know. We all know he doesn't do anything at 80%. Maybe he thought he was a liability, so he didn't bowl."

Precedent and Pressure

The most recent occasion Stokes limited his bowling was on the final day of the tied 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 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 stand on the edge of yet another defeat in Australia, once again likely to be beaten inside the initial three matches of the series.

If the tourists' loss is sealed on Saturday's fourth day, it would mean the destination of the Ashes has been decided in 10 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 victor of an Ashes series been determined so swiftly.

A Formidable Challenge

If a first goal is to extend this match into a final 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," stated 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 thrown some but absorbed many. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to throw some haymakers."