🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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