🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches 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 was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears 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 indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.