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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent 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 amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner 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 draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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