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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.