🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to 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 were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that 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 the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.