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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 following just only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps 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 the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob 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 have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in 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 Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

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

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.