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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. 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 collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.