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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

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 rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.