🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is 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 potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern 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 conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.