🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion 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.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott 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.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty 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 being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.