Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Controversial 'Frail Characters' Comments

The English opener Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements made by captain Stokes about the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".

The all-rounder made this message in several interviews in the wake of his team's loss in the second match of the Ashes series versus Australia previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss with a match to spare, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" within the playing group.

"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I required," remarked Stokes.

However, after Crawley made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."

"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the media with a pinch of salt," he added.

Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy

The captain made the "fragile individuals" comment after his side were beaten in the second Test to go 2-0 down.

The England squad subsequently took a break to a Queensland resort between the second and the upcoming matches.

Prior to this match, he said his team had held "raw" conversations and he had asked them to "display some fight" in their effort to remain alive in the Ashes battle.

Yet, Crawley stated the guidance from Stokes and coach McCullum had remained in line with their prior three years in leadership.

"The atmosphere has been extremely upbeat, unchanged," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we could do an extraordinary feat entering this Test."

Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's dismissal on day four was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.

The spinner's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – meant the chasing side six down for 207 chasing a notional target of 435.

Consequently, the home team need four wickets on the final day to secure an insurmountable three-nil lead after three Tests.

A loss would prolong the English team's drought in this country to 18 Tests and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes series defeat.

The current battle will be completed in just 11 days of cricket – with England fell the initial matches in rapid time respectively.

Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed a series win in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.

"This is disappointing," said the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."

"There remains plenty to play for and we'll certainly approach it with that mindset," he continued.

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

Ollie Pope's Place In Question

While the opener's performance in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term place in the side, Ollie Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman was out for 17 runs in England's second knock on day four, extending his modest returns versus the old enemy.

Across 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages 17.62.

A solitary other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has played as many times in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.

However, the opener insisted any notion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – meaning the press – "not inside the camp."

"We all know of his considerable talent," said he. "He has had a productive year to be frank."

"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk externally. There is no chat of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," he concluded.