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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding 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, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener 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 adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.