🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner 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 under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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