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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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