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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual 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 had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

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

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.