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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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 stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift 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 about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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