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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, 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 that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements 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 of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval 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 came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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