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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is 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.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements 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 stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature 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 rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.