Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Provocative 'Weak Men' Comments

England opening batter Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments made by skipper Ben Stokes about the team environment not being "weak men".

The all-rounder made this message in several conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes series versus the Australians previously.

In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors now face defeat with a match to spare, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the playing group.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I needed to have done," said the England leader.

But, after Crawley scored 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

Stokes made the "fragile individuals" observation after his side were beaten in Brisbane to fall two matches behind.

The team afterwards took a break to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and third Tests.

Before the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "honest" conversations and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain alive in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the messaging from Stokes and head coach McCullum had stayed consistent with their previous three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been extremely upbeat, the same as always," noted the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with lots of freedom. It felt like we could do something special going into this Test."

Australia On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's wicket late on Saturday was part of a decisive triple-strike by Australia 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 target of 435 runs.

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

A loss would prolong England's winless run in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

The current battle will be completed in only eleven days of play – with England fell 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 outcome of the Ashes urn been decided more swiftly. The hosts have also won in 11 days on two other instances in the 21st century.

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

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

"It's been tough. Australia is a formidable side. It was always going to be hard touring here against them. They were the favourites and they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Position Under Scrutiny

Although the opener's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term future in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

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

Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a half-century and averages just 17.62.

A solitary other English batsman since 1900 – Amiss – has played as many times in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a poorer average.

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

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

"He has produced several excellent innings. This is noise externally. There's no chat of that nature regarding Pope amongst the players," he finished.