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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism 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 big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

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

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership 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.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat 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 men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.