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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for 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 effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.