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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. 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 like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.