🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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 often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems 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 might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.