🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk 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 lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements 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 in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.