🔗 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 a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for 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, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.