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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need 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 forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked 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.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder 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 coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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