🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.