Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Captain Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opener Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements from captain Stokes regarding the dressing room as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes delivered this message in multiple interviews following England's loss in the second match of the Ashes against Australia earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where the visitors are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had allowed his message to "drift around" within the squad.

"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked the England leader.

However, after the opener made a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take anything stated in the press with a pinch of salt," he added.

Raw Conversations and Steady Philosophy

Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" comment subsequent to his side suffered a loss in Brisbane to go 2-0 down.

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

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

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

"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with lots of freedom. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Historic Ashes Triumph

The opener's dismissal late on Saturday came during a crucial triple-strike by Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.

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

This means, the home team need just four more wickets on Sunday's last day to secure an insurmountable three-nil advantage after three matches played.

Defeat will extend the English team's drought in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

This series will be completed in only 11 days of cricket – with England losing the first two Tests in rapid time each.

The last time 1921, when the Australians completed victory in England in eight days, has the destination of the urn been determined so quickly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other instances in the 21st century.

"It's disappointing," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."

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

"The challenge has been difficult. They're a formidable team. It was inevitably hard touring here against them. They were the favourites coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."

Ollie Pope's Position In Question

While the opener's innings in Adelaide probably answers doubts about his immediate future in the side, Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

Pope fell for 17 in the team's second innings on day four, adding to his poor record versus the old enemy.

Across 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages just 17.62.

Only one other English batsman in over a century – Amiss – has played as many times in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.

But, Crawley insisted any notion his teammate is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."

"The squad is fully aware how good of a player he is," said Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year to be frank."

"He has produced several excellent innings. It is talk externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley finished.