🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.