🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win 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 Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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 Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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