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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift 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 batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough 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 mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should 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 plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.