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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations 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 captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.