🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should 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 in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for 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 involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.