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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, 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 addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort 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 will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.