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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake 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 - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.