🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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 mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played 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 there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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 England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think 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 but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.