🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially 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, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift 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 essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.