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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply 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 has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems 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 poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.