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

England opener Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from captain Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made this message in multiple conversations following England's loss in the second Ashes versus the Australians previously.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where the visitors are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had let his message to "drift around" within the squad.

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

But, following Crawley scored a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

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

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" observation after his side were beaten in the second Test to fall two matches behind.

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

Before this match, Stokes revealed his players had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain in contention in the series.

Yet, the Kent batsman stated the messaging from Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum had stayed in line with their prior three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special going into this game."

Australia Close of Historic Ashes Triumph

The opener's dismissal late on Saturday was part of a decisive three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – left England 207-6 chasing a daunting target of 435.

This means, the home team require just four more wickets on the last day to move to an unassailable three-nil lead with three matches played.

Defeat would prolong the English team's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight overseas Ashes loss.

This series is set to be decided in just 11 days of play – with England fell the initial matches in two and four days each.

The last time 1921, when Australia sealed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined so quickly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"This is disappointing," admitted the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."

"There remains significant pride at stake and we will definitely view it with that mindset," he continued.

"It's been difficult. They're a very, very good team. It was inevitably hard touring here against them. They entered as the front-runners and have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Position In Question

While Crawley's performance in Adelaide probably answers questions about his immediate place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 runs in England's second knock on day four, adding to his modest returns versus Australia.

In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has never made a fifty and boasts an average of 17.62.

Only one other English batsman in over a century – 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 notion Pope is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – meaning the journalists – "and not within the team."

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

"He has played some really good knocks. It is noise from the outside. There is no chat of that nature on Ollie in the camp," Crawley finished.