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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.