🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed 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 the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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