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

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

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

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be 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 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.