Zak Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Provocative 'Weak Men' Remarks

The English opener Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements made by skipper Stokes about the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in several interviews in the wake of his team's defeat in the second Ashes versus the Australians previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had let his message to "drift around" within the squad.

"I have completed all the talking over the past two days that I needed to have done," remarked the England leader.

But, following the opener scored a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to his side suffered a loss in the second Test to go 2-0 down.

The England squad afterwards took a holiday to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and the upcoming Tests.

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his team had held "raw" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to stay in contention in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley stated the guidance from Stokes and coach McCullum had stayed consistent with their prior three years in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," noted the opener. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with great liberty. We believed we could do an extraordinary feat going into this Test."

Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's dismissal on day four was part of a crucial triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

The spinner's three wickets in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Stokes himself – left the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a daunting target of 435.

Consequently, Australia need just four more wickets on Sunday's last day to secure an insurmountable 3-0 lead with three matches played.

A loss will extend England's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth successive overseas Ashes defeat.

This series will be completed in only 11 days of play – after England losing the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

The last time 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. The hosts have also won in eleven days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

"This is disheartening," said Crawley. "Our goal was to regain the Ashes and now we are facing elimination at this point."

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

"It's been difficult. Australia is a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough coming here to face them. They entered as the favourites and have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Position In Question

Although Crawley's performance in Adelaide probably answers questions about his short-term future in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 in the team's second knock on day four, extending his poor record against the old enemy.

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has never made a half-century and boasts an average of 17.62.

Only one other English batsman in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.

But, the opener insisted any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope comes from "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"We all know how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."

"He has played several excellent innings. This is noise externally. There is no chat of that nature on Ollie amongst the players," he concluded.