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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.