🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

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 ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

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

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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