🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return 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 are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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