Crawley Unaware of Captain Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Remarks

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments from skipper Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in multiple conversations following England's defeat in the second Ashes series versus the Australians earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where England are staring at a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the squad.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked Stokes.

However, after Crawley made 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the media with some skepticism," he added.

Raw Conversations and Steady Philosophy

Stokes issued his "weak men" comment after England were beaten in the second Test to go two matches behind.

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

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

Yet, Crawley asserted the messaging from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their prior tenure in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special entering this game."

Australia Close of Historic Series Victory

Crawley's wicket on day four was part of a decisive triple-strike by Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Stokes himself – left the chasing side 207-6 chasing a daunting total of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia need just four more wickets on the final day to secure an unassailable three-nil advantage after three Tests.

A loss would prolong the English team's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes series defeat.

This series is set to be decided in only 11 days of play – with England fell the first two Tests in rapid time each.

Not since 1921, when Australia sealed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

"This is disheartening," admitted Crawley. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."

"There remains plenty to play for and we'll definitely view it with that mindset," he continued.

"The challenge has been tough. They're a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough touring here against them. They were the favourites and they've proven why."

Pope's Position In Question

While the opener's performance in the third Test probably answers doubts about his immediate place in the side, Ollie Pope looks under threat for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 in the team's second knock on Saturday, extending his modest returns against Australia.

Across 16 Ashes innings, Pope has never made a half-century and averages 17.62.

A solitary other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top six in the Ashes and returned a lower average.

But, the opener insisted any notion Pope is being scrutinised comes from "you guys" – meaning the press – "not inside the camp."

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

"He has produced several excellent innings. It is noise from the outside. There is no chat of that nature on Ollie in the camp," Crawley concluded.