🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand 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 play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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