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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed 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 at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands 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 proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like 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 will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.