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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.