🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series 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 got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance 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 play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

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

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, 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 has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.