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

England opener Zak Crawley suggested 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 England's loss in the second match of the Ashes series against Australia earlier this month.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where England now face a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had allowed his message to "drift around" within the playing group.

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

However, after Crawley scored 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he commented: "I missed those remarks."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take everything that is said in the media with some skepticism," he added.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" observation after England suffered a loss in Brisbane to fall 2-0 down.

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

Prior to this match, he said his team had held "raw" conversations and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to stay in contention in the Ashes battle.

Yet, Crawley stated the messaging from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their previous tenure in charge.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special going into this game."

Australia Close of Historic Series Victory

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

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Ben Stokes – left England 207-6 chasing a daunting target of 435 runs.

This means, the home team need four wickets on the last day to move to an insurmountable 3-0 advantage after three Tests.

A loss will extend England's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes loss.

This series is set to be decided in just eleven days of play – after England losing the initial matches in rapid time each.

Not since 1921, when Australia sealed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the destination of the Ashes urn been determined so quickly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.

"This is disappointing," admitted the batsman. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."

"There will still be plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it with that mindset," he continued.

"The challenge has been difficult. They're a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They entered as the front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Position In Question

While the opener's performance in the third Test probably answers doubts about his short-term future in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his spot in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 runs in England's second innings on day four, extending his modest returns against the old enemy.

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

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

But, the opener said any notion Pope is under the microscope comes from "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added Crawley. "He has had a productive year to be frank."

"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk externally. There is no chat like that on Ollie in the camp," he finished.