🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve 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 been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.