🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership 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 in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all 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 delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and 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 discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered 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 Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents 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 will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.