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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits 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 ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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 them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues 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 understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.