Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Weak Men' Remarks

The English opening batter Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of statements from skipper Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes made those words in multiple interviews following England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes versus the Australians earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" within the squad.

"I've done the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," said the England leader.

However, after Crawley scored a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he commented: "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 some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" comment after England were beaten in the second Test to fall 2-0 down.

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

Prior to the Adelaide contest, he revealed his players had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain in contention in the Ashes battle.

Yet, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from the captain and coach McCullum had stayed in line with their previous tenure in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special entering this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Historic Series Victory

The opener's wicket on day four was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

The spinner's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Brook and Ben Stokes – left the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a notional total of 435.

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

A loss will extend the English team's winless run in this country to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth straight overseas Ashes loss.

This series is set to be decided in just eleven days of play – with England fell the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.

The last time 1921, when Australia sealed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also won in eleven days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

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

"There remains plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it like that," Crawley added.

"It's been tough. Australia is a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They entered as the favourites and they've proven why."

Pope's Place In Question

While the opener's innings in Adelaide probably answers questions about his immediate place in the side, Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 in the team's second knock on Saturday, extending his poor record against the old enemy.

In 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has never made a fifty and averages 17.62.

Only one other England player in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has played as many times in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

However, the opener insisted any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"We all know of his considerable talent," added he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."

"He has played several excellent innings. This is noise from the outside. There's no chat like that on Ollie in the camp," Crawley finished.