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

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got 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 ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.