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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really 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

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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