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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener 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 sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.