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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach 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 an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss 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 dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.