🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

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

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform 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.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.