Zak Crawley Unaware of Stokes' Provocative 'Weak Men' Comments

England opener Crawley suggested he was not familiar with statements from skipper Ben Stokes about the dressing room as no place for "weak men".

The all-rounder delivered those words in multiple conversations following his team's defeat in the second match of the Ashes series against the Australians previously.

Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes stated he had let his sentiment to "drift around" within the squad.

"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked the England leader.

But, following Crawley made 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he stated: "I didn't see that."

"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take anything stated in the press with some skepticism," he added.

Frank Discussions and Consistent Messaging

Stokes issued his "weak men" observation after his side were beaten in Brisbane to go 2-0 down.

The team subsequently took a break to a Queensland resort in the gap between the second and the upcoming matches.

Before this match, Stokes said his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to remain in contention in the series.

Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the messaging from Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their prior three years in charge.

"The atmosphere has been extremely upbeat, the same as always," noted the opener. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. We believed we were capable of something special entering this game."

The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph

The opener's wicket on day four came during a decisive triple-strike by Australia off-spinner Lyon.

Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England 207-6 chasing a daunting target of 435 runs.

This means, the home team need four wickets on the last day to move to an insurmountable three-nil advantage with three matches played.

A loss would prolong England's winless run in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes defeat.

This series will be completed in just 11 days of cricket – with England losing the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

The last time 1921, when Australia completed victory in England in eight days, has the destination of the Ashes urn been determined more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in eleven days on two other occasions in the modern era.

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

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

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

Pope's Position In Question

Although Crawley's innings in the third Test probably answers doubts about his immediate place in the side, Pope appears under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

Pope was out for 17 in England's second innings on day four, extending his modest returns versus the old enemy.

In sixteen Ashes knocks, the Surrey man has failed to score a half-century and boasts an average of just 17.62.

Only one other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top order in the Ashes and returned a lower average.

However, Crawley insisted any notion his teammate is under the microscope originates with "the media" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."

"The squad is fully aware how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."

"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk from the outside. There's no chat of that nature on Ollie amongst the players," he finished.