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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding 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 the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, 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? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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