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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems 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, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.