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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "exhausted" but still "physically able" to bowl, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, despite he abstained from bowling on the third day of a critical Ashes Test.

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

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

A Grueling Innings

Throughout his extended 198-ball innings, the 34-year-old was struck on the head by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also needed a period off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the ground while trying to field the ball.

"He could be a bit tired 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 really exhausted and he's taken a lot out of himself to reach this point in the match."

Injury History Scrutiny

Considering his chequered injury history – Stokes has not played a full part in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the Durham man might be carrying a problem draws significant attention.

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 remain alive in the Ashes series.

At trailing 2-0 and needing to win in Adelaide to keep their hopes of winning back the Ashes intact, England had given up a first-innings lead 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 match by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at 53-2 and 149-4, only for the hosts to pull away through Travis Head's unbeaten 142.

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

"He abstained from bowling 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 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 was absent for the fifth Test at The Oval with a shoulder problem.

Stokes has a reputation of driving himself 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.

Facing Imminent Loss

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

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

A Daunting Task Ahead

If a first goal 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," said Patel. "It will be difficult, we're going to need something magical. I think it's high time we saw something special from us."

"After three matches, we've landed some blows but taken a lot. It's about time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to fight back fiercely."