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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 cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" 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 the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum 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? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner 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 draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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