Zak Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments from captain Ben Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "weak men".

The all-rounder made this message in several conversations following his team's loss in the second match of the Ashes series versus the Australians earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes noted he had let his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the playing group.

"I've done the necessary discussions over the past two days that I needed to have done," remarked Stokes.

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

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

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" observation after England were beaten in Brisbane to go 2-0 down.

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

Before this match, he said his team had held "honest" conversations and he had asked them to "display some fight" in their battle to remain alive in the Ashes battle.

Yet, Crawley asserted the guidance from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their previous three years in charge.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. We believed we could do something special going into this Test."

The Hosts Close of Historic Ashes Triumph

Crawley's dismissal on day four was part of a decisive three-wicket burst by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Brook and Stokes himself – left the chasing side six down for 207 in pursuit of a daunting target of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia require four wickets on Sunday's last day to secure an insurmountable three-nil lead with three Tests.

Defeat will extend the English team's winless run in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes series defeat.

This series is set to be decided in only eleven days of cricket – after 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 outcome of the Ashes urn been decided so quickly. The hosts have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"It's disappointing," said Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."

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

"It's been difficult. They're a very, very good team. It was always going to be hard touring here to face them. They entered as the front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Place Under Scrutiny

Although Crawley's performance in the third Test probably answers doubts about his short-term place in the England team, Ollie Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 runs in England's second knock on Saturday, adding to his modest returns versus the old enemy.

In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages just 17.62.

A solitary other England player since 1900 – Amiss – has played as many times in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.

But, Crawley insisted any notion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."

"He has produced some really good knocks. This is talk externally. There is no discussion of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," he finished.