Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Provocative 'Weak Men' Comments

The English opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements made by captain Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder delivered this message in several conversations in the wake of his team's loss in the second Ashes series versus Australia earlier this month.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where England now face defeat at the earliest opportunity, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" within the squad.

"I've done all the talking over the past two days that I required," remarked the England leader.

But, following the opener made a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, 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 some skepticism," he added.

Raw Conversations and Steady Philosophy

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" comment subsequent to England suffered a loss in the second Test to fall two matches behind.

The team subsequently went on a holiday to Noosa between the second and third Tests.

Before this match, Stokes said his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their battle to remain alive in the series.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman stated the messaging from the captain and coach McCullum had remained in line with their previous three years in leadership.

"It's been extremely upbeat, unchanged," said Crawley. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Rapid Series Victory

The opener's dismissal on day four came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – left the chasing side six down for 207 chasing a notional target of 435.

Consequently, Australia need four wickets on the final day to move to an unassailable 3-0 lead with three matches played.

Defeat will extend the English team's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth successive overseas Ashes series loss.

The current battle is set to be decided in only eleven days of cricket – after England losing the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

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

"There remains significant pride at stake and we'll certainly approach it like that," 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 were the front-runners and have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Position In Question

While the opener's innings in the third Test probably answers questions about his immediate place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his spot in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

Pope was out for 17 in England's second knock on Saturday, adding to his poor record versus the old enemy.

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

A solitary other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has played as many times in the top six in the Ashes and returned a poorer average.

However, Crawley said any suggestion Pope is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – meaning the journalists – "and not within the team."

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

"He has played several excellent innings. This is noise from the outside. There is no discussion like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.