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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, 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? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. 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 deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.