🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.