🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might 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 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 athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must 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 every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.