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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as 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 were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need 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 forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.