🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested 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 how much hard work 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 contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.