🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's 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 required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.