🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. 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 accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.