Zak Crawley Unaware of Captain Stokes' Provocative 'Weak Men' Remarks

The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments made by skipper Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "weak men".

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

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had let his sentiment to "drift around" within the squad.

"I've done the necessary discussions in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked Stokes.

But, following the opener scored a knock of 85 on the penultimate 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 media with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

The captain made the "fragile individuals" observation after England suffered a loss in the second Test to go 2-0 down.

The team subsequently took a break to Noosa between the second and third Tests.

Before this match, Stokes revealed his team had held "raw" conversations and he had asked 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 remained consistent with their prior three years in leadership.

"It's been very positive, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we were capable of an extraordinary feat going into this game."

Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

Crawley's dismissal on day four came during a decisive three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Stokes himself – meant England six down for 207 chasing a notional total of 435.

This means, Australia require four wickets on the final day to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead after three Tests.

A loss will extend England's drought in this country to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes loss.

The current battle is set to be decided in just 11 days of play – with England fell the initial matches in two and four days respectively.

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

"This is disappointing," admitted the batsman. "Our goal was to win the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel at this point."

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

"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They were the favourites coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."

Pope's Position In Question

While the opener's innings in the third Test likely secures questions about his immediate place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.

Pope was out for 17 in England's second innings on Saturday, extending his modest returns against Australia.

In sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has never made a half-century and averages 17.62.

Only one other English batsman in over a century – Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a poorer average.

But, the opener said any notion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – meaning the journalists – "and not within the team."

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

"He has played several excellent innings. It is talk from the outside. There is no chat of that nature on Ollie amongst the players," he finished.