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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner 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 when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

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

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and 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.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's 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 men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.