Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

England opener Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements from captain Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes made this message in several interviews in the wake of his team's loss in the second Ashes versus the Australians previously.

In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where the visitors are staring at defeat with a match to spare, the captain 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 the England leader.

But, after the opener made 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he commented: "I didn't see that."

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

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

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

The team subsequently went on a break to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and the upcoming matches.

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his team had held "raw" conversations and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain in contention in the series.

Yet, the Kent batsman stated the guidance from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their previous tenure in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, unchanged," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with lots of freedom. It felt like we could do an extraordinary feat entering this game."

Australia On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's wicket on day four came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England six down for 207 in pursuit of a notional total of 435 runs.

Consequently, the home team require just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an insurmountable 3-0 advantage with three Tests.

Defeat would prolong England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth successive away Ashes series loss.

The current battle will be completed in only eleven days of play – with England losing the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia completed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in eleven days on two other instances in the modern era.

"This is disheartening," said the batsman. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."

"There will still be significant pride at stake and we'll definitely view it with that mindset," Crawley added.

"The challenge has been difficult. They're a very, very good side. It was inevitably hard touring here against them. They entered as the favourites and they've proven why."

Pope's Position In Question

While Crawley's innings in the third Test probably answers questions about his short-term future in the side, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.

Pope fell for 17 in England's second knock on day four, extending his poor record against Australia.

In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has never made a half-century and averages just 17.62.

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

However, Crawley said any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – meaning the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."

"He has produced some really good knocks. This is talk externally. There is no chat like that regarding Pope in the camp," he concluded.