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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested 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 Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.