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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

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

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing 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 there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

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

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.