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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere 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 riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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