🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love 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.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, 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 must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.