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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 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.