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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations 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 John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. 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 without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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