🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series 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 last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push 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 ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold 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, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.