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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.