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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner 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 when pressure mounted 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 a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed 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 felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what 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 stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.