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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding 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 to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders 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 even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve 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 anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be 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 lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.