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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

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

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could 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

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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