🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner 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? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. 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 notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed 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.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion 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 a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. 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, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.