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

England opener Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements from captain Ben Stokes regarding the team environment not being "weak men".

The all-rounder delivered this message in several conversations in the wake of his team's defeat in the second match of the Ashes series versus the Australians previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the playing group.

"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I required," remarked the England leader.

But, after the opener 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 anything stated in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" comment after his side suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

The team subsequently went on a break to Noosa in the gap between the second and the upcoming Tests.

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

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had stayed in line with their prior tenure in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with lots of freedom. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this game."

Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's wicket late on Saturday came during a crucial triple-strike by Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – left England 207-6 in pursuit of a notional total of 435.

This means, the home team require just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an unassailable 3-0 lead after three matches played.

Defeat will extend England's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

This series will be completed in just eleven days of cricket – after England losing the initial matches in two and four days each.

The last time 1921, when Australia sealed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been decided so quickly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.

"This is disappointing," admitted Crawley. "Our goal was 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 like that," Crawley added.

"It's been tough. Australia is a formidable side. It was always going to be hard touring here to face them. They were the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

Although Crawley's performance in the third Test probably answers doubts about his short-term place in the England team, Pope appears under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

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

In sixteen Ashes knocks, the Surrey man has never made a fifty and averages 17.62.

A solitary other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

But, Crawley said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "you guys" – meaning the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware how good of a player he is," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year if I'm honest."

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