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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

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

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.