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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold 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, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.