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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really 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 volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.