England opener Zak Crawley suggested he had no knowledge of statements made by captain Stokes about the team environment as no place for "those lacking fortitude".
Stokes delivered this message in multiple conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes series against Australia previously.
Ahead of the third Test, where England are staring at a series loss with a match to spare, Stokes noted he had let his message to "drift around" among the playing group.
"I've done the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," said the England leader.
But, after Crawley made a knock of 85 on the fourth day in Adelaide, he commented: "I didn't see that."
"I wasn't actively searching for it. We take everything that is said in the media with some skepticism," he added.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" comment after England suffered a loss in Brisbane to fall two matches behind.
The team subsequently took a holiday to a Queensland resort between the second and the upcoming matches.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes said his team had held "raw" conversations and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to stay alive in the series.
Nevertheless, Crawley asserted the guidance from Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their previous tenure in leadership.
"The atmosphere has been very positive, unchanged," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of something special entering this game."
Australia Close of Historic Series Victory
Crawley's wicket late on Saturday came during a crucial triple-strike by Australia spinner Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Brook and Stokes himself – left England six down for 207 in pursuit of a notional target of 435.
This means, Australia require four wickets on Sunday's last day to secure an insurmountable three-nil advantage after three matches played.
Defeat would prolong England's drought in Australia to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight overseas Ashes series loss.
The current battle will be completed in just eleven days of play – with England fell the first two Tests in rapid time respectively.
The last time 1921, when Australia completed a series win in England in eight days, has the outcome of the Ashes urn been decided so quickly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.
"It's disheartening," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination now."
"There will still be plenty to play for and we'll definitely view it with that mindset," he continued.
"The challenge has been difficult. They're 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 Place In Question
While Crawley's innings in Adelaide probably answers doubts about his short-term future in the side, Pope looks under threat for his spot in the fourth Test starting December 26th.
The Surrey batsman was out for 17 runs in England's second innings on Saturday, adding to his modest returns against Australia.
Across sixteen Ashes knocks, Pope has failed to score a half-century and boasts an average of 17.62.
Only one other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has featured as many times in the top six in the Ashes and returned a poorer average.
However, the opener said any notion his teammate is under the microscope comes from "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."
"We all know of his considerable talent," added Crawley. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."
"He has produced several excellent innings. This is talk externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope in the camp," Crawley concluded.
