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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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 pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered 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 cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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 men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up 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 have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.