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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.