🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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 prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.