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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - 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 our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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