🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win 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, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might 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 mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.