Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opener Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements made by skipper Stokes regarding the dressing room as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made this message in multiple conversations in the wake of England's defeat in the second Ashes versus the Australians previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes noted he had let his message to "circulate freely" within the playing group.

"I have completed all the talking over the past two days that I required," said Stokes.

But, after the opener made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he commented: "I didn't see that."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the media with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to his side suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

The England squad subsequently went on a break to a Queensland resort between the second and third Tests.

Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain alive in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley stated the messaging from the captain and coach McCullum had remained consistent with their prior tenure in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, unchanged," said Crawley. "It's on maintaining positivity, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Historic Ashes Triumph

Crawley's wicket on day four came during a crucial triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – he also bowled Harry Brook and Stokes himself – meant England six down for 207 chasing a daunting target of 435 runs.

Consequently, the home team require just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an unassailable three-nil advantage after three matches played.

Defeat will extend England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth straight overseas Ashes defeat.

The current battle is set to be decided in just 11 days of cricket – after England losing the initial matches in rapid time respectively.

The last time 1921, when the Australians completed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also triumphed in eleven days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

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

"There remains significant pride at stake and we'll definitely view it like that," Crawley added.

"It's been difficult. They're a very, very good team. It was inevitably hard touring here against them. They entered as the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Place Under Scrutiny

While the opener's performance in the third Test probably answers questions about his immediate future in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope was out for 17 runs in England's second knock on Saturday, extending his modest returns versus Australia.

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

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

But, the opener insisted any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year to be frank."

"He has produced several excellent innings. It is noise externally. There is no chat like that on Ollie in the camp," he concluded.