🔗 Share this article

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

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to 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. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.