🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, 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 during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.