The English opening batter Zak Crawley suggested he was not familiar with comments from captain Stokes about the dressing room as no place for "weak men".
Stokes made this message in several conversations in the wake of England's loss in the second match of the Ashes versus the Australians earlier this month.
Ahead of the third Test, where the visitors now face a series loss with a match to spare, the captain stated he had allowed his sentiment to "drift around" among the squad.
"I have completed the necessary discussions in recent days that I required," remarked Stokes.
But, after 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. Our approach is to take everything that is said in the press with a pinch of salt," he added.
Frank Discussions and Steady Philosophy
The captain issued his "fragile individuals" observation after England were beaten in Brisbane to fall 2-0 down.
The England squad subsequently took a break to a Queensland resort between the second and third matches.
Before this match, Stokes revealed his players had held "raw" talks and he had asked them to "show a bit of dog" in their effort to stay alive in the series.
Yet, Crawley asserted the guidance from Stokes and head coach McCullum had remained consistent with their prior tenure in charge.
"The atmosphere has been very positive, the same as always," said Crawley. "It's just trying to be optimistic, playing our brand, with great liberty. It felt like we could do something special entering this game."
Australia Close of Rapid Series Victory
Crawley's dismissal on day four was part of a crucial three-wicket burst by Australia spinner Lyon.
Lyon's three wickets in a short spell – he also bowled Brook and Ben Stokes – meant England 207-6 chasing a notional target of 435 runs.
Consequently, Australia need just four more wickets on the last day to move to an unassailable three-nil advantage after three Tests.
Defeat would prolong the English team's drought in this country to 18 consecutive matches and condemn them to a fourth straight overseas Ashes series loss.
This series will be completed in only 11 days of play – after England fell the first two Tests in two and four days respectively.
The last time 1921, when Australia completed a series win in the UK in eight days, has the outcome of the urn been decided more swiftly. Australia have also triumphed in eleven days on two other occasions in the 21st century.
"This is disheartening," admitted Crawley. "We came here to regain the Ashes and now we are facing elimination now."
"There remains significant pride at stake and we'll definitely view it with that mindset," Crawley added.
"It's been tough. Australia is a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough touring here against them. They entered as the favourites and they've proven why."
Ollie Pope's Position Under Scrutiny
While the opener's innings in Adelaide likely secures questions about his short-term place in the side, Ollie Pope appears under threat for his spot in the Melbourne Test starting December 26th.
The Surrey batsman fell for 17 in the team's second innings on Saturday, extending his poor record against Australia.
In 16 Ashes innings, the Surrey man has failed to score a half-century and averages 17.62.
A solitary other England player since 1900 – Dennis Amiss – has played an equal number of innings in the top six in the Ashes and recorded a lower average.
But, the opener said any suggestion his teammate is being scrutinised comes from "the media" – meaning the press – "and not within the team."
"We all know of his considerable talent," said Crawley. "He has had a productive year to be frank."
"He has produced several excellent innings. It is talk from the outside. There is no chat of that nature regarding Pope amongst the players," Crawley finished.
