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

The English opener Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments made by skipper Ben Stokes about the team environment not being "weak men".

The all-rounder made 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 England now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his message to "drift around" among the playing group.

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

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

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

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

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

The England squad afterwards took a break to Noosa in the gap between the second and third Tests.

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his players had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to stay alive in the Ashes battle.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman stated the guidance from Stokes and coach McCullum had remained consistent with their previous tenure in charge.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, play our way, with great liberty. We believed we were capable of something special entering this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's dismissal on day four was part of a crucial triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England six down for 207 in pursuit of a daunting target of 435 runs.

Consequently, Australia require four wickets on the final day to secure an insurmountable three-nil lead with three Tests.

A loss would prolong England's drought in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

This series will be completed in only eleven days of play – with England fell the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia sealed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined more swiftly. The hosts have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"It's disheartening," said Crawley. "Our goal was to regain the Ashes and now we are staring down the barrel now."

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

"The challenge has been difficult. They're a very, very good team. It was always going to be hard coming here to face them. They were the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Position In Question

Although Crawley's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term future in the side, Pope appears under threat for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

Pope fell for 17 in England's second knock on day four, extending his modest returns against the old enemy.

In sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages 17.62.

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

But, the opener said any notion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "the media" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."

"We all know how good of a player he is," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."

"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk externally. There's no discussion of that nature on Ollie in the camp," Crawley concluded.