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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current 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, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was 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 attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side 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 yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment 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, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something 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 recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands 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.