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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott 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 played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

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 must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.