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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger 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 because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach 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 support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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