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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.