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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested 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 not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested 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 Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered 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 should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.