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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of 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 play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.