🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - 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 united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. 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 return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.