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

England opener Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of comments from skipper Ben Stokes about the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made those words in multiple interviews in the wake of his team's loss in the second Ashes series against Australia previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where England now face defeat with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had let his sentiment to "drift around" within the squad.

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

But, following Crawley made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he commented: "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," he added.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

Stokes made the "weak men" observation subsequent to England were beaten in Brisbane to go two matches behind.

The team subsequently went on a holiday to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and the upcoming matches.

Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his team had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain in contention in the series.

Nevertheless, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from Stokes and coach McCullum had stayed in line with their previous three years in charge.

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," noted Crawley. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we could do an extraordinary feat entering this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Series Victory

Crawley's wicket late on Saturday was part of a crucial triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – left England 207-6 chasing a notional total of 435 runs.

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

A loss would prolong England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth successive overseas Ashes series loss.

This series will be completed in just 11 days of play – after England fell the initial matches in two and four days each.

The last time 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the destination of the Ashes urn been decided so quickly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

"It's disheartening," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."

"There remains plenty to play for and we will definitely view it like that," Crawley added.

"The challenge has been difficult. They're a very, very good side. It was inevitably hard touring here against them. They were the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."

Pope's Place In Question

While Crawley's performance in the third Test likely secures questions about his short-term future in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

Pope fell for 17 runs in England's second knock on Saturday, extending his poor record against Australia.

Across sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has never made a fifty and averages 17.62.

Only one other English batsman in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has played an equal number of innings in the top six in the Ashes and returned a lower average.

But, Crawley said any notion Pope is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."

"We all know how good of a player he is," said he. "He has had a good year to be frank."

"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk from the outside. There is no chat like that regarding Pope amongst the players," he concluded.