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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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 not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

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

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, 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 find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back 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 are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.