🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes 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 at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk 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 appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.