England opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements made by skipper Ben Stokes regarding the dressing room not being "weak men".
The all-rounder made those words in multiple interviews following England's loss in the second match of the Ashes versus Australia previously.
In the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, where England now face defeat at the earliest opportunity, the captain noted he had let his message to "drift around" within the playing group.
"I have completed all the talking over the past two days that I required," remarked Stokes.
However, after the opener made 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he commented: "I didn't see that."
"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the media with a pinch of salt," Crawley continued.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
The captain issued his "weak men" observation after England were beaten in the second Test to go 2-0 down.
The team afterwards went on a break to Noosa in the gap between the second and third matches.
Prior to this match, Stokes said his players had held "raw" conversations and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain in contention in the series.
Nevertheless, the Kent batsman stated the messaging from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their prior tenure in leadership.
"It's been extremely upbeat, unchanged," noted the opener. "The focus is just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special going into this Test."
Australia Close of Rapid Series Victory
Crawley's dismissal late on Saturday came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Brook and Ben Stokes – left England six down for 207 chasing a daunting total of 435.
Consequently, Australia need just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an insurmountable 3-0 lead after three Tests.
A loss will extend the English team's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight away Ashes defeat.
This series will be completed in only eleven days of cricket – after England fell the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.
Not since 1921, when Australia sealed a series win in England in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. The hosts have also triumphed in eleven days on two other instances in the modern era.
"This is disappointing," said the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."
"There will still be 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 inevitably hard coming here to face them. They were the favourites coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."
Pope's Position In Question
While the opener's innings in Adelaide likely secures questions about his short-term place in the side, Pope appears under immense pressure for his spot in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.
Pope was out for 17 in the team's second innings on day four, extending his poor record against the old enemy.
Across 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a fifty and averages 17.62.
Only one other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top order in Ashes Tests and recorded a poorer average.
But, the opener insisted any notion Pope is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."
"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."
"He has played some really good knocks. It is talk externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley concluded.
