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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.