🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways 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 much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish 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.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.