Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Weak Men' Comments

The English opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of comments from skipper Ben Stokes regarding the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder delivered those words in several interviews following England's loss in the second Ashes series against the Australians previously.

In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where the visitors are staring at defeat at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his message to "circulate freely" among the squad.

"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I required," said Stokes.

But, following the opener scored 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take anything stated in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" observation after England suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

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

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his players had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain alive in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the guidance from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their previous tenure in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, unchanged," noted the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special entering this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

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

Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Ben Stokes – meant the chasing side six down for 207 in pursuit of a notional target of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia require just four more wickets on the last day to secure an insurmountable 3-0 lead with three Tests.

Defeat would prolong England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes defeat.

This series will be completed in just 11 days of cricket – with England fell the initial matches in rapid time each.

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

"It's disappointing," admitted the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."

"There will still be significant pride at stake and we will certainly approach it like that," he continued.

"It's been tough. Australia is a formidable side. It was inevitably tough coming here to face them. They were the favourites and have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Place In Question

While the opener's innings in the third Test likely secures questions about his short-term place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 in the team's second innings on Saturday, extending his poor record against the old enemy.

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a fifty and boasts an average of 17.62.

Only one other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.

But, the opener insisted any suggestion Pope is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – meaning the press – "not inside the camp."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added he. "He has had a productive year if I'm honest."

"He has produced several excellent innings. It is noise externally. There's no discussion of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley finished.