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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.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting 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 of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If 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 glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for 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 could bat at number five.

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 the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 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.