🔗 Share this article

Not in 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 in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in 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 men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back 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 certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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