Unfortunately for England, perception feeds reality. The only way they can alter the narrative around them is with victory.
To achieve this, they need to adapt to the conditions in the Gabba better than in Perth, particularly crucial in the day-night environment.
The lights come on at 17:30 local time every day, meaning most of the event will be illuminated. England must be able to identify when to shift up and down, rather than sit in sixth, stomp on and hope for the best.
Given the noise that follows England, Stokes is working overtime as a leader, but that cannot take away from his responsibility as a player.
In Brisbane he will once again act as fourth sailor, putting in more physical effort.
Stokes must also find a way to challenge Starc, the bowler who has dismissed him the most in Test cricket. There’s an argument for Stokes and Jamie Smith swapping spots at sixth and seventh. Smith is probably a better batsman and Stokes might be better suited to lead the lower order.
Stokes needs the help of his senior players, including Root, who will be haunted by his lack of a century in Australia until he finally gets one.
No specialist batsman has played as many innings as Root’s 29 here without registering a ton.
England need Zak Crawley to repay their considerable investment and for Archer to prove he is the equal of any Australian bowler – Archer has as many defeats as wins in his previous 14 Tests.
How about Brook brings his average of 38 against Australia closer to his career mark of 56? Maybe Will Jacks could take advantage of his unexpected retirement to become a new version of Moeen Ali. Perhaps this will be the week Smith, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse come of age as Ashes performers.
As things stand, England’s impact in Brisbane is currently focused on electric scooters. On Wednesday morning, local police reminded the public to wear helmets and keep an eye out for cyclists crossing the Kangaroo Bridge with a speed gun.
Next week, Stokes’ men will want their legacy to be an assault on the Gabba, challenging pink-ball specialists Australia for a historic triumph to level the Ashes.
Only one victory changes the perception of this England team.
Only a victory justifies Canberra’s decision and can guarantee a peaceful holiday in Noosa after the test.
Only a victory prevents the fans from turning against them and prevents questions about the future.
It is difficult to see how this test will be overcome. Only an England victory keeps the Ashes alive.
