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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained 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 ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what 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 even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open 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 establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down 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 just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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