🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if 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.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, 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 have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If 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 lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. 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 indicated 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 third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.