🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, 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 forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. 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, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.