🔗 Share this article

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best 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 is the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. 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 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.