🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way 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 like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.