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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded 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 looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.