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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look 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 a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed 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 - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just 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 to be the opportunity 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 could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.