🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.