🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such 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 not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting 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 discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.