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

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements made by captain Ben Stokes about the team environment not being "weak men".

The all-rounder delivered this message in multiple interviews following his team's loss in the second match of the Ashes versus the Australians previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors now face defeat at the earliest opportunity, the captain noted he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" within the squad.

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

However, following the opener made 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he commented: "I didn't see that."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the press with a pinch of salt," he added.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to England suffered a loss in Brisbane to go 2-0 down.

The team subsequently went on a break to Noosa between the second and the upcoming matches.

Before the Adelaide contest, he said his team had held "honest" talks and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to stay alive in the Ashes battle.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman asserted the messaging from Stokes and 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 the opener. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. We believed we could do something special going into this game."

The Hosts Close of Historic Series Victory

Crawley's dismissal late on Saturday was part of a crucial triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – meant the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a daunting total of 435 runs.

This means, the home team require four wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an insurmountable three-nil lead with three Tests.

A loss would prolong the English team's drought in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight away Ashes defeat.

This series is set to be decided in just eleven days of cricket – after England losing the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

Not since 1921, when the Australians completed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been decided so quickly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.

"It's disappointing," said the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination at this point."

"There will still be plenty to play for and we will definitely view it with that mindset," Crawley added.

"It's been tough. Australia is a formidable team. It was inevitably tough touring here to face them. They were the favourites and they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Place In Question

While Crawley's innings in the third Test probably answers questions about his immediate future in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 in England's second innings on Saturday, adding to his modest returns versus the old enemy.

Across sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has never made a half-century and averages 17.62.

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

But, the opener insisted any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."

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

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