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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They 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 confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see 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 might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, 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 has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.