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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts 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 self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united 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 onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.