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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was 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 attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

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

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.