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

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

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.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.