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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served 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 as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since 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 to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.