🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity 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.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming 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.