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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.