🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, 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. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember 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 must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.