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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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 potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit 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 some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.