🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series 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 a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat 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 issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.