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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way 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? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.