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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil 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, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve 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 felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, 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, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.