Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opener Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements made by skipper Stokes regarding the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in multiple conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes versus the Australians earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain 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 needed to have done," said the England leader.

However, after Crawley made a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take anything stated in the press with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain made the "weak men" comment after England suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

The team afterwards took a holiday to Noosa between the second and third Tests.

Prior to this match, he revealed his players had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain alive in the Ashes battle.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman stated the guidance from Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum had stayed consistent with their prior three years in leadership.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. We believed we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's dismissal on day four came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian spinner Nathan Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – left England 207-6 chasing a daunting total of 435.

Consequently, the home team require four wickets on the final day to move to an insurmountable 3-0 advantage after three matches played.

A loss would prolong the English team's winless run in Australia to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

This series is set to be decided in only 11 days of play – after England losing the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

Not since 1921, when Australia completed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined more swiftly. The hosts have also won in eleven days on two other occasions in the modern era.

"It's disappointing," said Crawley. "We came here to win the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."

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

"It's been tough. Australia is a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough coming here to face them. They were the front-runners and they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Place In Question

Although the opener's performance in Adelaide probably answers questions about his immediate future in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 runs in the team's second knock on Saturday, extending his poor record versus Australia.

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a half-century and boasts an average of 17.62.

A solitary 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, Crawley said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year if I'm honest."

"He has produced some really good knocks. It is noise from the outside. There's no chat of that nature on Ollie amongst the players," he concluded.