Crawley Unaware of Captain Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

England opening batter Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of comments made by captain Ben Stokes regarding the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

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

In the lead-up to the third Test, where England now face a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had allowed his message to "circulate freely" among the squad.

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

However, following the opener scored 85 on the fourth 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.

Raw Conversations and Consistent Messaging

The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation after his side suffered a loss in the second Test to fall 2-0 down.

The team subsequently went on a break to a Queensland resort between the second and third Tests.

Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain alive in the series.

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

"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with lots of freedom. It felt like we were capable of something special going into this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Historic Series Victory

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

Lyon's three wickets in a short spell – he also bowled Brook and Ben Stokes – left England six down for 207 in pursuit of a daunting total of 435 runs.

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

A loss would prolong England's drought in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes loss.

The current battle is set to be decided in just 11 days of cricket – with England fell the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.

Not since 1921, when the Australians completed a series win in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been decided more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.

"It's disappointing," said Crawley. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."

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

"It's been tough. They're a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough touring here to face them. They were the front-runners coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Place Under Scrutiny

While the opener's innings in Adelaide probably answers questions about his immediate future in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 runs in England's second knock on Saturday, extending his poor record versus the old enemy.

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

Only one other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top order in the Ashes and returned a lower average.

But, the opener insisted any notion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "you guys" – meaning the press – "and not within the team."

"We all know how good of a player he is," said Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year to be frank."

"He has played several excellent innings. It is noise from the outside. There is no discussion like that on Ollie amongst the players," Crawley concluded.