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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure 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 exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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