🔗 Share this article

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.