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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just 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 turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary 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, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 might face difficulty 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters 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 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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