The English opener Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from captain Ben Stokes about the dressing room not being "weak men".
The all-rounder delivered this message in multiple conversations in the wake of his team's defeat in the second match of the Ashes series versus Australia earlier this month.
In the lead-up to the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes noted he had let his message to "circulate freely" among the squad.
"I have completed all the talking in recent days that I required," remarked the England leader.
But, after the opener scored 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he stated: "I missed those remarks."
"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take everything that is said in the press with a pinch of salt," he added.
Raw Conversations and Consistent Messaging
Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" observation after his side suffered a loss in Brisbane to go two matches behind.
The England squad afterwards took a holiday to a Queensland resort between the second and the upcoming Tests.
Before this match, he revealed his players had held "honest" conversations and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to remain alive in the series.
Nevertheless, Crawley stated the messaging from Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their previous tenure in leadership.
"It's been very positive, the same as always," noted the opener. "It's on maintaining positivity, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this game."
Australia Close of Rapid Series Victory
The opener's dismissal late on Saturday came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian spinner Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – he also bowled Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – left England 207-6 chasing a daunting target of 435.
This means, Australia need four wickets on the final day to move to an unassailable three-nil lead with three Tests.
Defeat would prolong England's winless run in Australia to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth successive away Ashes defeat.
This series will be completed in only 11 days of cricket – after England fell the first two Tests in rapid time each.
Not since 1921, when Australia sealed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also won in eleven days on two other instances in the modern era.
"This is disheartening," admitted the batsman. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're staring down the barrel now."
"There will still be significant pride at stake and we'll definitely view it with that mindset," he continued.
"The challenge has been tough. Australia is a very, very good team. It was always going to be hard touring here against them. They were the favourites and they've proven why."
Pope's Place In Question
While Crawley's performance in the third Test probably answers questions about his short-term future in the side, Ollie Pope appears under immense pressure for his position in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.
The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in England's second innings on Saturday, adding to his poor record against the old enemy.
Across 16 Ashes innings, Pope 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 order in the Ashes and returned a poorer average.
But, Crawley insisted any notion Pope is being scrutinised comes from "you guys" – meaning the press – "not inside the camp."
"We all know of his considerable talent," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."
"He has produced some really good knocks. This is noise from the outside. There's no chat like that regarding Pope in the camp," he finished.
