🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.