🔗 Share this article

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury 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 face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.