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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions 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 had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen 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 a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.