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Resilient Australia 'adapt on the go' to close in on Ashes glory / Photo: Patrick HAMILTON - AFP
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Resilient Australia 'adapt on the go' to close in on Ashes glory
Australia's ability to adapt and rise in key moments has thrust them to the cusp of retaining the Ashes, with Steve Smith saying it is a process they have fine-tuned.
The hosts are firmly in the box seat against a ragged England after winning the first two Tests at Perth and Brisbane, both by eight wickets.
They head to Adelaide for the third encounter beginning on December 17 planning more of the same to secure the five-Test series for the fourth consecutive time on home soil.
The wily Smith, who captained the side in both Tests while Pat Cummins recovered from a back injury, said Australia's experience had come to the fore during crunch periods so far.
"We've identified (those) moments in the game and made the most of them," he told reporters.
"I think that's one thing this team's done for the last four years.
"We play 'live'. We adapt on the go, instead of getting back in the sheds and going: 'We should have done this'.
"Sometimes it's just playing the long game. I think we've just adapted so well the last couple of years, and played in real time, I suppose."
In contrast, England stumbled when it mattered most, leading skipper Ben Stokes to question their mentality under pressure.
England are now faced with having to win a near-impossible three Tests in a row.
And they have not won a Test on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series, losing 15 and drawing two.
"When we are on top, we are great, and when behind the game we are also very good, but when the moment is neck-and-neck, we are not coming out on top on enough occasions," he said.
Marnus Labuschagne pointed to the patient 75-run stand between man-of-the-match Mitchell Starc (77) and Scott Boland (21 not out) for the ninth wicket at the Gabba that helped propel Australia to 511.
It ensured a 177-run first innings lead and while England clawed past the deficit, they could only set Australia 65 to win.
"I look back on this game and I look at the partnership between Starcy and Scott. I look at those moments to get us in the situation where we had the night session (to bowl) on our terms," he said.
"We're in a really nice spot where we're just really process-driven, focused on what we need to do to be ready and once again being ready for those big moments in the game."
Australia face some selection dilemmas for Adelaide, notably whether to recall veteran opener Usman Khawaja who missed the first two Tests with back issues.
In his absence, Travis Head -- whose home ground is Adelaide -- and Jake Weatherald looked good at the top.
Cummins seems certain to return with Brendan Doggett likely to make way, while chief selector George Bailey has said veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon will play.
Lyon was dropped for the day-night Brisbane Test with Australia opting for an all-pace attack.
His replacement Michael Neser took 5-42 in England's second innings, but faces missing out.
N.Fournier--SMC
