🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations 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 John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.