England opener Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of statements from skipper Stokes about the team environment not being "weak men".
The all-rounder delivered this message in multiple conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second Ashes against the Australians earlier this month.
In the lead-up to the third Test, where England now face a series loss at the earliest opportunity, Stokes noted he had let his message to "drift around" within the squad.
"I've done the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," said Stokes.
But, after Crawley scored 85 on the fourth day in the third Test, he commented: "I missed those remarks."
"I wasn't actively searching for it. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the media with some skepticism," Crawley continued.
Raw Conversations and Consistent Messaging
The captain made the "weak men" comment after his side suffered a loss in the second Test to fall two matches behind.
The England squad afterwards went on a break to Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, Stokes revealed his players had held "raw" conversations and he had urged them to "display some fight" in their effort to remain alive in the Ashes battle.
Yet, Crawley asserted the messaging from the captain and coach Brendon McCullum had remained consistent with their prior three years in leadership.
"It's been extremely upbeat, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, play our way, with lots of freedom. We believed we were capable of something special going into this Test."
Australia Close of Rapid Ashes Triumph
The opener's wicket on day four was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Lyon's triple strike in a short spell – including the wickets of Harry Brook and Stokes himself – left the chasing side 207-6 in pursuit of a notional total of 435 runs.
Consequently, the home team need just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead after three Tests.
A loss will extend England's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth successive overseas Ashes loss.
The current battle will be completed in only 11 days of play – after England losing the first two Tests in rapid time each.
The last time 1921, when the Australians sealed victory in England in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been decided more swiftly. Australia have also won in 11 days on two other occasions in the modern era.
"This is disheartening," admitted the batsman. "We came here to win the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."
"There will still be significant pride at stake and we'll certainly approach it like that," Crawley added.
"It's been difficult. They're a very, very good side. It was always going to be hard touring here against them. They entered as the favourites coming in to it have demonstrated their quality."
Ollie Pope's Place Under Scrutiny
Although Crawley's innings in the third Test likely secures doubts about his immediate future in the England team, Pope looks under threat for his position in the fourth Test starting December 26th.
Pope fell for 17 runs in England's second innings on Saturday, extending his modest returns versus Australia.
In 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages 17.62.
Only one other England player in over a century – Dennis Amiss – has featured an equal number of innings in the top six in Ashes Tests and recorded a lower average.
But, Crawley said any notion Pope is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the journalists – "and not within the team."
"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said he. "Ollie has enjoyed a good year if I'm honest."
"He has played several excellent innings. This is noise externally. There's no discussion like that regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.
