Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Captain Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Comments

England opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements from captain Ben Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "weak men".

Stokes made this message in several conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second match of the Ashes series against Australia previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" within the playing group.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I required," said Stokes.

But, following Crawley made a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, he commented: "I didn't see that."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take anything stated in the media with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain made the "fragile individuals" observation after his side suffered a loss in the second Test to fall 2-0 down.

The team subsequently went on a holiday to Noosa between the second and the upcoming matches.

Prior to this match, Stokes said his players had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain alive in the Ashes battle.

Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the messaging from the captain and head coach McCullum had stayed in line with their previous tenure in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's on maintaining positivity, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this game."

The Hosts On the Verge of Historic Series Victory

Crawley's wicket late on Saturday was part of a decisive three-wicket burst by Australian spinner Nathan Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – meant the chasing side six down for 207 in pursuit of a notional total of 435.

Consequently, Australia require four wickets on the final day to move to an insurmountable three-nil advantage after three Tests.

A loss will extend England's winless run in Australia to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth successive overseas Ashes loss.

This series is set to be decided in just 11 days of cricket – after England fell the initial matches in rapid time each.

The last time 1921, when the Australians completed victory in the UK in eight days, has the destination of the urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"This is disappointing," said Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."

"There will still be plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it like that," he continued.

"It's been tough. Australia is a very, very good team. It was always going to be hard touring here to face them. They were the front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

While Crawley's innings in Adelaide probably answers questions about his short-term place in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 in England's second innings on day four, extending his poor record against the old enemy.

In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages 17.62.

Only one other English batsman since 1900 – Amiss – has played as many times in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

However, the opener insisted any notion Pope is under the microscope originates with "the media" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "He has had a good year if I'm honest."

"He has produced several excellent innings. This is noise externally. There is no discussion of that nature on Ollie in the camp," he concluded.