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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view 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 down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.