Zak Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Weak Men' Remarks

England opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from skipper Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in several conversations in the wake of England's defeat in the second Ashes against the Australians previously.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where England now face defeat with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" 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 scored 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take anything stated in the press with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

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

The England squad subsequently went on a holiday to Noosa between the second and the upcoming Tests.

Before this match, Stokes said his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain in contention in the series.

Yet, Crawley stated the messaging from Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their prior three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been extremely upbeat, unchanged," said the opener. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this Test."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Series Victory

Crawley's dismissal on day four came during a decisive three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Lyon.

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

This means, the home team need just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an unassailable three-nil advantage with three matches played.

Defeat would prolong England's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth successive overseas Ashes defeat.

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

The last time 1921, when Australia sealed a series win in England in eight days, has the destination of the Ashes urn been determined so quickly. Australia have also won in eleven days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"It's disheartening," admitted Crawley. "We came here to win the Ashes and now we are staring down the barrel at this point."

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

"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a very, very good team. It was inevitably hard coming here against them. They entered as the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Place In Question

Although Crawley's innings in Adelaide likely secures questions about his immediate place in the side, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in the team's second innings on Saturday, adding to his modest returns against Australia.

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

Only one other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a poorer average.

However, the opener said any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope comes from "the media" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said he. "He has had a good year to be frank."

"He has produced some really good knocks. It is noise externally. There is no discussion like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.