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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits 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 find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.