🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt 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 find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations 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 skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer 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 dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.