Zak Crawley Unaware of Captain Stokes' Provocative 'Frail Characters' Remarks

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements made by captain Ben Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder delivered those words in multiple conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes series versus the Australians previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss with a match to spare, the captain stated he had let his message to "circulate freely" within the squad.

"I have completed the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," said the England leader.

But, following Crawley scored a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in Adelaide, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"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

The captain made the "fragile individuals" observation after England suffered a loss in the second Test to fall two matches behind.

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

Before this match, he said his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain in contention in the series.

Yet, Crawley asserted the guidance from the captain and head coach McCullum had remained consistent with their prior three years in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. We believed we were capable of something special entering this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

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

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England 207-6 chasing a notional total of 435.

Consequently, the home team require just four more wickets on Sunday's last day to move to an insurmountable three-nil lead after three Tests.

A loss would prolong 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 cricket – with England losing the first two Tests in rapid time each.

The last time 1921, when the Australians completed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.

"This is disappointing," said Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."

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

"It's been tough. They're a very, very good team. It was always going to be hard coming here to face them. They entered as the favourites and they've proven why."

Pope's Place Under Scrutiny

While Crawley's performance in Adelaide likely secures questions about his short-term future in the England team, Pope appears under immense pressure for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 in England's second innings on day four, adding to his modest returns against Australia.

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has never made a half-century and averages 17.62.

Only one other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.

But, the opener insisted any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"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 some really good knocks. This is talk externally. There is no chat like that regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley finished.