The English opening batter Zak Crawley has indicated he was not familiar with statements from skipper Stokes about the team environment not being "weak men".
The all-rounder delivered this message in multiple interviews following England's defeat in the second match of the Ashes versus Australia earlier this month.
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where the visitors now face defeat at the earliest opportunity, Stokes stated he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the playing group.
"I have completed the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," said the England leader.
However, after Crawley made 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I didn't see that."
"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the press with some skepticism," he added.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation after England were beaten in Brisbane to go two matches behind.
The team afterwards took a break to Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "raw" talks and he had urged them to "show a bit of dog" in their battle to stay in contention in the series.
Yet, the Kent batsman stated the guidance from the captain and head coach McCullum had remained in line with their prior tenure in charge.
"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."
The Hosts Close of Historic Ashes Triumph
The opener's dismissal late on Saturday came during a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Stokes himself – meant England 207-6 in pursuit of a notional total of 435.
This means, Australia need four wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable three-nil lead after three matches played.
A loss will extend the English team's drought in Australia to 18 Tests and ensure a fourth successive away Ashes loss.
The current battle is set to be decided in only 11 days of cricket – after England losing the initial matches in rapid time respectively.
Not since 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the destination of the urn been decided more swiftly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the 21st century.
"It's disappointing," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and now we are facing elimination at this point."
"There remains plenty to play for and we will certainly approach it like that," 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 front-runners coming in to it they've proven why."
Ollie Pope's Position In Question
While the opener's performance in the third Test likely secures questions about his immediate future in the England team, Ollie Pope looks under immense pressure for his spot in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.
Pope was out for 17 in England's second knock on day four, adding to his modest returns versus Australia.
In sixteen Ashes knocks, the Surrey man has never made a fifty and averages 17.62.
A solitary other English batsman in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in Ashes Tests and returned a poorer average.
But, Crawley said any notion Pope is being scrutinised originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."
"We all know how good of a player he is," added he. "He has had a productive year to be frank."
"He has played several excellent innings. It is noise externally. There is no chat of that nature regarding Pope in the camp," he finished.
