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

The English opener Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from skipper Ben Stokes regarding the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in several conversations following England's loss in the second Ashes series against Australia previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had let his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the playing group.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked Stokes.

But, after the opener scored 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take anything stated in the media with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Raw Conversations and Steady Philosophy

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" comment after his side suffered a loss in the second Test to go two matches behind.

The England squad subsequently went on a holiday to Noosa in the gap between the second and third matches.

Before this match, Stokes revealed his team had held "raw" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to stay alive in the series.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their prior three years in charge.

"The atmosphere has been extremely upbeat, unchanged," noted Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with lots of freedom. It felt like we could do something special going into this game."

The Hosts Close of Historic Series Victory

Crawley's wicket late on Saturday came during a decisive three-wicket burst by Australian spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Stokes himself – meant England six down for 207 chasing a daunting target of 435 runs.

This means, Australia need four wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable three-nil advantage after three Tests.

A loss will extend England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth successive away Ashes loss.

The current battle will be completed in only eleven days of play – with England fell the first two Tests in rapid time each.

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

"This is disheartening," admitted Crawley. "We came here to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."

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

"It's been difficult. Australia is a formidable side. It was inevitably hard coming here to face them. They were the front-runners and they've proven why."

Pope's Place In Question

While the opener's performance in Adelaide likely secures questions about his immediate place in the side, Pope appears under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.

Pope fell for 17 in England's second innings on Saturday, adding to his poor record against Australia.

Across sixteen Ashes knocks, the Surrey man has never made a half-century and averages just 17.62.

A solitary other England player in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has played an equal number of innings in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

But, Crawley insisted any suggestion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "He has had a good year if I'm honest."

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