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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held 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 some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served 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 accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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 return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.