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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 a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.