Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Remarks

The English opener Zak Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with comments from skipper Ben Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes made this message in several interviews in the wake of England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes series versus Australia previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where England are staring at defeat at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his message to "circulate freely" within the squad.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I required," remarked Stokes.

However, after Crawley made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the media 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 2-0 down.

The team afterwards went on a break to a Queensland resort between the second and the upcoming Tests.

Before the Adelaide contest, he revealed his team had held "raw" talks and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain in contention in the Ashes battle.

Yet, Crawley stated the guidance from the captain and head coach McCullum had stayed consistent with their prior tenure in leadership.

"It's been very positive, unchanged," said the opener. "It's on maintaining positivity, play our way, with lots of freedom. It felt like we were capable of something special entering this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's wicket late on Saturday came during a decisive three-wicket burst by Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in a short spell – he also bowled Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – left the chasing side 207-6 chasing a notional target of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia need just four more wickets on the last day to move to an insurmountable 3-0 lead with three Tests.

Defeat would prolong England's drought in Australia to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth successive away Ashes loss.

This series will be completed in only eleven days of cricket – with England losing the initial matches in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia completed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been decided so quickly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other instances in the 21st century.

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

"There remains significant pride at stake and we'll certainly approach it with that mindset," Crawley added.

"The challenge has been tough. Australia is a very, very good side. It was always going to be hard coming here against them. They entered as the front-runners and they've proven why."

Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

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

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in the team's second knock on day four, extending his poor record versus the old enemy.

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

Only one other England player since 1900 – Amiss – has played as many times in the top order in Ashes Tests and returned a poorer average.

However, Crawley insisted any notion Pope is under the microscope comes from "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."

"We all know how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "He has had a productive year if I'm honest."

"He has produced some really good knocks. It is talk from the outside. There is no discussion of that nature regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.