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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 only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? 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 regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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 are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.