Zak Crawley Claims Ignorance of Captain Stokes' Controversial 'Weak Men' Remarks

The English opener Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments from skipper Stokes regarding the dressing room as no place for "weak men".

Stokes made those words in multiple interviews following England's loss in the second Ashes series against 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 message to "drift around" among the squad.

"I've done all the talking in recent days that I required," remarked Stokes.

But, after Crawley made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, 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

Stokes issued his "weak men" observation subsequent to his side were beaten in Brisbane to fall two matches behind.

The team subsequently took a break to a Queensland resort between the second and the upcoming Tests.

Before this match, Stokes revealed his team had held "honest" talks and he had asked them to "display some fight" in their effort to stay alive in the Ashes battle.

Nevertheless, Crawley stated the guidance from Stokes and head coach McCullum had remained consistent with their prior three years in charge.

"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this Test."

The Hosts On the Verge of Historic Series Victory

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

The spinner's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Brook and Stokes himself – left England six down for 207 chasing a notional target of 435 runs.

This means, the home team require four wickets on Sunday's last day to secure an insurmountable three-nil advantage with three Tests.

A loss will extend England's drought in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth straight away Ashes series loss.

This series will be completed in just 11 days of play – after England fell the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.

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

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

"There remains significant pride at stake and we'll certainly approach it with that mindset," Crawley added.

"The challenge has been tough. They're a very, very good side. It was always going to be hard touring here to face them. They were the front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."

Ollie Pope's Place In Question

Although Crawley's performance in the third Test likely secures doubts about his immediate future in the side, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his position in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.

The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in the team's second knock on day four, adding to his modest returns against the old enemy.

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

A solitary other England player since 1900 – Amiss – has featured as many times in the top order in Ashes Tests and returned a lower average.

However, the opener insisted any notion Pope is under the microscope originates with "the media" – referring to the press – "and not within the team."

"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a productive year if I'm honest."

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