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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external 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 such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat 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 Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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