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

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to 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 were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion 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 support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed 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 great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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 sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.