🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if 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 loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature 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.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.