🔗 Share this article

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test 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.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with 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 the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective 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 said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.