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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, 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 being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

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

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

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