🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach 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 made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee 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. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia 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 stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman 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 to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 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.