The English opener Zak Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments from skipper Stokes regarding the team environment not being "those lacking fortitude".
The all-rounder made this message in multiple interviews in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes versus the Australians earlier this month.
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where England now face a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes stated he had let his message to "drift around" within the playing group.
"I've done the necessary discussions in recent days that I required," said the England leader.
But, after Crawley scored a knock of 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, 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 media with some skepticism," Crawley continued.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
The captain issued his "fragile individuals" comment after England were beaten in the second Test to go 2-0 down.
The England squad afterwards went on a break to Noosa in the gap between the second and third Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, he revealed his team had held "raw" talks and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their battle to stay in contention in the Ashes battle.
Yet, Crawley stated the guidance from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had stayed in line with their prior three years in leadership.
"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we could do an extraordinary feat going into this Test."
Australia On the Verge of Rapid Ashes Triumph
The opener's wicket on day four came during a decisive triple-strike by Australian spinner Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – left England 207-6 in pursuit of a daunting target of 435 runs.
This means, the home team require four wickets on Sunday's final day to move to an insurmountable three-nil advantage with three matches played.
Defeat would prolong England's winless run in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes defeat.
This series is set to be decided in just 11 days of cricket – after England losing the initial matches in two and four days respectively.
Not since 1921, when the Australians completed victory in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been determined so quickly. Australia have also triumphed in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.
"It's disappointing," said 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'll definitely view it like that," Crawley added.
"The challenge has been difficult. Australia is a formidable side. It was inevitably tough touring here against them. They entered as the favourites and they've proven why."
Ollie Pope's Place In Question
Although the opener's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his short-term future in the England team, Ollie Pope looks under threat for his spot in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.
The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in England's second knock on Saturday, adding to his modest returns against the old enemy.
Across sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has never made a half-century and averages 17.62.
Only one other England player in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has played as many times in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.
However, Crawley said any suggestion Pope is under the microscope comes from "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."
"We all know how good of a player he is," added Crawley. "He has had a productive year if I'm honest."
"He has played several excellent innings. It is noise externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.
