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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

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 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. 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 a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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