🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.