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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.