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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes 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 should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might 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

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.