England opening batter Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of statements made by skipper Stokes regarding the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".
The all-rounder delivered those words in several conversations following his team's loss in the second match of the Ashes versus the Australians previously.
In the lead-up to the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss at the earliest opportunity, the captain noted he had allowed his sentiment to "circulate freely" among the playing group.
"I've done the necessary discussions in recent days that I required," remarked the England leader.
But, following the opener scored a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he stated: "I missed those remarks."
"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. Our approach is to take anything stated in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.
Raw Conversations and Consistent Messaging
The captain made the "fragile individuals" comment subsequent to his side were beaten in Brisbane to fall two matches behind.
The team subsequently went on a holiday to a Queensland resort between the second and third Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "honest" talks and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their battle to stay alive in the series.
Yet, the Kent batsman asserted the guidance from Stokes and coach McCullum had remained consistent with their previous tenure in charge.
"It's been very positive, unchanged," noted the opener. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special entering this game."
Australia Close of Rapid Series Victory
The opener's wicket late on Saturday was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Lyon.
Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – meant the chasing side 207-6 chasing a notional total of 435.
Consequently, the home team need just four more wickets on the last day to secure an insurmountable three-nil lead with three Tests.
Defeat would prolong England's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth successive overseas Ashes series defeat.
This series will be completed in only 11 days of play – after England fell the initial matches in rapid time respectively.
Not since 1921, when the Australians completed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other instances in the modern era.
"This is disappointing," said Crawley. "Our goal was to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."
"There will still be plenty to play for and we'll certainly approach it with that mindset," Crawley added.
"The challenge has been difficult. They're a very, very good side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They entered as the favourites coming in to it they've proven why."
Ollie Pope's Position In Question
Although the opener's innings in the third Test probably answers questions about his immediate place in the England team, Pope looks under immense pressure for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.
Pope was out for 17 in England's second knock on Saturday, extending his poor record against the old enemy.
In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has never made a half-century and boasts an average of 17.62.
Only one other English batsman in over a century – Amiss – has featured as many times in the top order in the Ashes and returned a poorer average.
However, Crawley insisted any suggestion Pope is under the microscope comes from "the media" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."
"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year to be frank."
"He has played several excellent innings. It is noise externally. There's no chat like that regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley concluded.
