Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Comments

England opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements from captain Stokes about the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes delivered those words in multiple interviews following England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes against Australia earlier this month.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where England now face a series loss with a match to spare, the captain noted he had let his message to "drift around" among the playing group.

"I've done all the talking over the past two days that I needed to have done," said Stokes.

However, following Crawley made 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he commented: "I missed those remarks."

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

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to his side suffered a loss in the second Test to go two matches behind.

The England squad afterwards went on a break to Noosa between the second and third matches.

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

Yet, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from Stokes and head coach McCullum had stayed in line with their prior three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this Test."

Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's wicket on day four was part of a decisive three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Brook and Stokes himself – meant the chasing side 207-6 chasing a notional total of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia require just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable 3-0 advantage after three Tests.

Defeat will extend England's drought in Australia to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes defeat.

This series will be completed in only eleven days of play – after England losing the initial matches in two and four days each.

Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

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

"There remains significant pride at stake and we will definitely view it with that mindset," he continued.

"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They entered as the favourites and have demonstrated their quality."

Ollie Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

Although Crawley's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in the team's second innings on day four, extending his modest returns versus Australia.

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a half-century and averages just 17.62.

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

However, Crawley said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."

"We all know how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year if I'm honest."

"He has produced some really good knocks. This is talk externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley finished.