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England's captain Ben Stokes is reportedly "worn out" but still "fit and ready" to bowl, per team coach Jeetan Patel, even though he did not bowl on the day three of a pivotal Ashes Test.
Stokes deployed a quintet of alternative bowlers as the Australian side moved to 271-4 in their follow-on, building a commanding lead of 356 runs at the venue.
The versatile all-rounder had earlier spent over five hours at the crease over two days to compile 83 runs in England's initial batting effort.
A Demanding Knock
During his marathon 198-ball stay, the 34-year-old was hit on the helmet by a fast bowler and suffered muscle cramps. He also required time off the field on Friday after hitting his head on the ground while trying to field the ball.
"He could be a little fatigued and just need a bit of time to himself right now," stated Patel.
"Based on my knowledge, he's pretty fit to bowl. I think he's just really exhausted and he's expended a great deal out of himself to reach this point in the game."
Injury History Scrutiny
Considering his complicated injury history – Stokes has not been fully available in any of England's last four series – any suggestion the star all-rounder might be carrying a problem draws significant attention.
Eager to be in the heat of battle, Stokes' absence from the attack on Friday was curious given it was England's final opportunity to remain alive in the Ashes series.
At trailing 2-0 and requiring a victory in Adelaide to keep their hopes of winning back the Ashes intact, England had conceded a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.
"My understanding is he goes 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 probably where he's at."
The visiting side could have stayed within the contest by dismissing Australia for approximately 240 in their second innings and had faint chances at certain scorelines, 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 perhaps a different discussion with him," said ex-New Zealand player 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."
Precedent and Pressure
The most recent occasion 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 problem.
Stokes has a reputation of pushing his body to its absolute limit, and it was put to Patel that the captain felt he might have endangered himself if he pushed 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 day four, it would mean the outcome of the Ashes has been decided in just ten 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 winner 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 pull off the highest successful chase at the Adelaide Oval to keep the series alive.
"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 high time we saw something special from us."
"Three games in, we've landed some blows but taken a lot. It's time, now we're with our backs to the wall, to fight back fiercely."
