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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion 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, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.