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

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John 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 voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the 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 being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.