The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements from skipper Stokes about the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".
The all-rounder delivered this message in multiple interviews in the wake of England's defeat in the second Ashes versus Australia earlier this month.
In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors are staring at defeat with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the playing group.
"I've done the necessary discussions in recent days that I needed to have done," remarked Stokes.
But, after Crawley scored 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he commented: "I missed those remarks."
"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take anything stated in the media with a pinch of salt," he added.
Raw Conversations and Consistent Messaging
The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation subsequent to England were beaten in the second Test to go two matches behind.
The England squad subsequently took a break to Noosa between the second and the upcoming Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his team had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their effort to remain in contention in the Ashes battle.
Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the guidance from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had stayed in line with their previous tenure in charge.
"The atmosphere has been very positive, unchanged," noted the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special entering this game."
The Hosts Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph
Crawley's dismissal on day four came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – he also bowled Harry Brook and Stokes himself – left the chasing side 207-6 chasing a daunting total of 435 runs.
Consequently, Australia require just four more wickets on the final day to move to an insurmountable three-nil lead after three Tests.
A loss will extend the English team's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth successive overseas Ashes series loss.
This series will be completed in only 11 days of play – after England losing the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.
Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined more swiftly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.
"It's disappointing," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel at this point."
"There remains plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it like that," he continued.
"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a very, very good side. It was always going to be hard coming here against them. They were the front-runners and they've proven why."
Pope's Position In Question
Although the opener's innings in the third Test likely secures questions about his short-term future in the side, Pope appears under immense pressure for his position in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.
Pope was out for 17 in England's second innings on Saturday, extending his modest returns versus the old enemy.
In 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 played as many times in the top six in the Ashes and returned a lower average.
However, Crawley said any notion Pope is under the microscope comes from "the media" – referring to the journalists – "not inside the camp."
"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "He has had a good year if I'm honest."
"He has produced some really good knocks. It is noise from the outside. There's no chat of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley finished.
