🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top 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 opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is 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 eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking 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 5-0.