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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate 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 expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.