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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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