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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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