🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing 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, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 might feature 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 Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.