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

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way 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 under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.