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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

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 Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team 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 but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.