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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.