Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Stokes' Controversial 'Weak Men' Comments

The English opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of comments from captain Stokes about the dressing room as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made this message in multiple conversations following England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes versus Australia previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain noted he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the playing group.

"I have completed the necessary discussions in recent days that I needed to have done," said the England leader.

But, following the opener made a knock of 85 on the penultimate 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 press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to his side were beaten in Brisbane to fall 2-0 down.

The team subsequently went on a holiday to Noosa in the gap between the second and the upcoming Tests.

Prior to this match, 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 stated the guidance from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their prior three years in leadership.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special going into this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Historic Ashes Triumph

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

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a notional total of 435 runs.

This means, the home team need four wickets on Sunday's last day to move to an insurmountable three-nil lead after three matches played.

Defeat will extend the English team's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth successive overseas Ashes loss.

This series is set to be decided in only 11 days of play – after England fell the initial matches in rapid time each.

Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in eleven days on two other instances in the 21st century.

"It's disappointing," admitted the batsman. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."

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

"It's been difficult. They're a very, very good team. It was inevitably tough touring here to face them. They were the favourites coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

While Crawley's performance in Adelaide likely secures questions about his short-term future in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in England's second innings on day four, extending his poor record against Australia.

In sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has never made a fifty and boasts an average of just 17.62.

Only one other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in the Ashes and returned a lower average.

But, the opener said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

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

"He has played several excellent innings. This is noise externally. There's no discussion of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," he concluded.