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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement 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.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager 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 batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.