🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper 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 Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way 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 like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might 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

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.