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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that 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 loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered 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 must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.