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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.