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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions 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 accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia 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 a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder 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 eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team 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 5-0.