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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly 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, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

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 boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable 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, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries 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 athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.