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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier 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 a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if 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 in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess 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 Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, 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 could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.