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Beyond Australia's 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 put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. 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 about the way the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.