Zak Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from skipper Ben Stokes about the dressing room not being "weak men".

The all-rounder made those words in several interviews following England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes versus Australia earlier this month.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the playing group.

"I have completed the necessary discussions in recent days that I required," said Stokes.

However, after Crawley scored a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take anything stated in the media with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain made the "fragile individuals" comment subsequent to England suffered a loss in the second Test to go two matches behind.

The team afterwards took a holiday to Noosa in the gap between the second and third Tests.

Prior to the Adelaide contest, he revealed his team had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to stay alive in the Ashes battle.

Yet, the Kent batsman stated the guidance from Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their prior three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's wicket on day four came during a decisive three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in a short spell – he also bowled Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England 207-6 chasing a notional target of 435 runs.

This means, the home team require four wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable 3-0 advantage with three Tests.

A loss will extend the English team's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth straight overseas Ashes series loss.

The current battle is set to be decided in just 11 days of play – after England fell the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in the UK in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. Australia have also won in eleven days on two other instances in the 21st century.

"This is disheartening," admitted the batsman. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."

"There remains plenty to play for and we'll certainly approach it like that," Crawley added.

"The challenge has been tough. Australia is a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They were the front-runners and they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Position In Question

While Crawley's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term place in the side, Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 runs in the team's second innings on day four, adding to his modest returns against the old enemy.

In 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a fifty and averages 17.62.

A solitary other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a poorer average.

However, the opener insisted any notion Pope is under the microscope comes from "the media" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "He has had a good year to be frank."

"He has played some really good knocks. This is talk externally. There's no chat of that nature on Ollie in the camp," Crawley finished.