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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

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

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.