🔗 Share this article

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

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis 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

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.