🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held 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.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.