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Not in Australia's 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.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, 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 talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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