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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting 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 have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.