More than 20 years ago, then-New York Jets head coach Herman Edwards went viral for his “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!” rant. But when you think about it, that is the root of sports and all competitions. One plays, or observes, to see who comes out on top.

For the England cricket team, that test (pun intended) continues Thursday at Old Trafford.

The most prestigious rivalry in the sports, the Ashes, enters its Fourth Test with Australia leading England 2-1. England need to win at both Old Trafford and The Oval to win a series for the first time since 2015, while Australia need just a draw in either Test to keep the urn for another two years.

Since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes were named head coach and captain, respectively, England have adopted the approach known as “Bazball,” a positive mindset as opposed to digging in for defense. It can be entertaining to watch for fans, but there’s always the possibility of that approach backfiring.

Case in point: the first two Ashes Tests this summer. England batted first at Edgbaston, reaching 393/8 before an unexpected declaration from Stokes. That Joe Root was on an unbeaten century, and Australia responded with 386 in their first innings, only added to the questions as the visitors went on to win by two wickets. The way the match was affected by the weather, it’s fair to say the First Test would’ve been at least a draw had England continued to bat until they were bowled out. But you have to keep the early declaration in mind when considering how the Second Test unfolded.

At Lord’s, the hosts had a second-innings target of 371 to square the series. With several quick losses in the top half of the batting order, there was pressure on the partnership of Stokes and Jonny Bairstow to save the match. That is, until Bairstow left his crease after a delivery and was stumped out by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey when it appeared the sequence was over. It’s a debate that applies to baseball; when is a ball in play or when is time called? England took exception, claiming Carey went against the unwritten code of fair play (the “Spirit of the Game”). But this isn’t Bairstow’s first rodeo; he knew what was at stake, and despite a valiant 155 from Stokes, Australia took a 2-0 lead.

England must be given credit for putting the disappointment of Lord’s behind them to win at Headingley and keep the series alive. But now comes another must-win affair. Four years ago, it was an almost identical situation; the hosts winning a thriller at Leeds, only for Australia to come back, win the Fourth Test and retain the Ashes. This time, should the visitors prevail, it would be a first series win in England since 2001. Having started the English summer with a World Test Championship win, the chance of making more history will not be lost on Aussie captain Pat Cummins.

England have done well to create an identity of positive, entertaining cricket, but now they need the results to back it up. If they fail to win the last two Tests, the questions will resume about the best way going forward.