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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.