🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might 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 England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.