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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide 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 series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents 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 participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.