🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, 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 big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire 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 thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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 for each other. 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 accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be 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 lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.