🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of 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 attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and 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 voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. 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.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.