🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing 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 faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain 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 remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, 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 discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries 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 men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.