🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like 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 Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting 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 - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. 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 could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in 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 men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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