🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in 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 good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.