Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Remarks

England opening batter Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements made by captain Ben Stokes about the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".

Stokes made this message in multiple conversations following his team's defeat in the second match of the Ashes series against Australia previously.

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where the visitors are staring at defeat with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had allowed his message to "drift around" among the squad.

"I've done all the talking over the past two days that I required," remarked the England leader.

However, after the opener made a knock of 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain made the "weak men" comment subsequent to England suffered a loss in Brisbane to go 2-0 down.

The England squad subsequently went on a break to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and the upcoming matches.

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his team had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their effort to remain alive in the Ashes battle.

Yet, Crawley asserted the messaging from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had stayed consistent with their prior tenure in leadership.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with lots of freedom. It felt like we were capable of something special going into this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's wicket late on Saturday was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner 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 notional target of 435 runs.

This means, Australia require four wickets on the last day to secure an unassailable three-nil lead with three Tests.

Defeat would prolong the English team's winless run in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes defeat.

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

The last time 1921, when the Australians sealed a series win in England in eight days, has the destination of the Ashes urn been decided so quickly. The hosts have also won in eleven days on two other instances in the modern era.

"It's disappointing," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."

"There will still be plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it like that," Crawley added.

"It's been tough. They're a formidable team. It was always going to be tough touring here against them. They entered as the front-runners and they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

Although Crawley's innings in Adelaide probably answers questions about his immediate place in the side, Ollie Pope looks under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope fell for 17 in the team's second knock on day four, adding to his poor record against Australia.

In 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a fifty and boasts an average of just 17.62.

Only one other England player in over a century – Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

However, Crawley said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised originates with "the media" – meaning the press – "not inside the camp."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."

"He has produced some really good knocks. It is talk externally. There's no chat like that on Ollie amongst the players," Crawley concluded.