🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

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

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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 been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.