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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way 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, 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely 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 lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid 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 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.