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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, 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 right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.