The English opening batter Crawley has indicated he had no knowledge of comments made by captain Stokes about the dressing room as no place for "those lacking fortitude".
The all-rounder delivered this message in several interviews following England's loss in the second Ashes against the Australians earlier this month.
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, where the visitors now face defeat at the earliest opportunity, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the squad.
"I've done the necessary discussions over the past two days that I required," remarked Stokes.
However, following the opener made 85 on the penultimate day in the third Test, he commented: "I missed those remarks."
"I didn't see and wasn't really looking out for it. We take everything that is said in the press with some skepticism," Crawley continued.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
Stokes issued his "fragile individuals" comment after England were beaten in the second Test to fall 2-0 down.
The England squad afterwards took a break to Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Prior to the Adelaide contest, he revealed his players had held "honest" talks and he had asked them to "display some fight" in their battle to stay alive in the series.
Yet, Crawley stated the messaging from the captain and head coach Brendon McCullum had remained in line with their previous three years in charge.
"The atmosphere has been very positive, unchanged," said the opener. "The focus is on maintaining positivity, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we were capable of an extraordinary feat entering this game."
Australia On the Verge of Historic Ashes Triumph
Crawley's wicket late on Saturday came during a crucial triple-strike by Australian off-spinner Lyon.
The spinner's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Stokes himself – meant England 207-6 chasing a notional total of 435 runs.
Consequently, the home team require just four more wickets on Sunday's final day to secure an unassailable three-nil advantage with three matches played.
Defeat will extend the English team's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and ensure a fourth straight away Ashes defeat.
The current battle is set to be decided in just eleven days of cricket – after England losing the first two Tests in rapid time each.
Not since 1921, when Australia completed a series win in England in eight days, has the destination of the urn been determined so quickly. The hosts have also triumphed in 11 days on two other occasions in the 21st century.
"It's disappointing," admitted Crawley. "Our goal was to regain the Ashes and we're facing elimination at this point."
"There remains plenty to play for and we will definitely view it with that mindset," Crawley added.
"It's been difficult. Australia is a formidable side. It was always going to be hard coming here to face them. They were the favourites and they've proven why."
Pope's Place Under Scrutiny
While Crawley's innings in the third Test probably answers doubts about his immediate place in the England team, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his spot in the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day.
The Surrey batsman fell for 17 runs in the team's second knock on Saturday, extending his modest returns against the old enemy.
Across 16 Ashes innings, Pope has failed to score a half-century and averages just 17.62.
A solitary other English batsman since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has played as many times in the top order in the Ashes and recorded a poorer average.
But, the opener insisted any suggestion Pope is under the microscope originates with "you guys" – referring to the press – "not inside the camp."
"The squad is fully aware of his considerable talent," said he. "He has had a productive year to be frank."
"He has played several excellent innings. This is talk from the outside. There's no chat like that on Ollie amongst the players," Crawley finished.
