Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Remarks

England opener Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements made by skipper Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "weak men".

The all-rounder made those words in several interviews in the wake of England's defeat in the second Ashes series versus Australia previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes stated he had allowed his message to "drift around" within the squad.

"I've done all the talking over the past two days that I required," remarked Stokes.

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

"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take everything that is said in the media with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

The captain issued his "weak men" comment subsequent to his side suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

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

Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain alive in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley stated the messaging from Stokes and coach McCullum had stayed consistent with their previous three years in charge.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special entering this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

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

Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a daunting target of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia require four wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an insurmountable three-nil advantage with three matches played.

A loss will extend the English team's winless run in Australia to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes defeat.

The current battle is set to be decided in just 11 days of play – after England losing the initial matches in rapid time respectively.

The last time 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in the UK in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. The hosts have also triumphed in eleven days on two other instances in the modern era.

"It's disheartening," admitted Crawley. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."

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

"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a formidable team. It was always going to be tough coming here against them. They were the front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Place Under Scrutiny

While Crawley's performance in Adelaide likely secures doubts about his short-term place in the side, Pope appears under threat for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope was out for 17 runs in England's second innings on Saturday, adding to his modest returns versus Australia.

In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has never made a half-century and boasts an average of just 17.62.

Only one other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has played an equal number of innings in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a lower average.

However, Crawley insisted any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – meaning the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "He has had a good year if I'm honest."

"He has played several excellent innings. It is talk from the outside. There is no chat like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.