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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined 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 the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders 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.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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 will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.