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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view 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 scepticism in this country about the way England play.

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 Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, 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, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested 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 remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.