🔗 Share this article

Not in 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 play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.