🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism 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? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been 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 reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.