🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.