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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed 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 in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.