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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. 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 sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven 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 wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. 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 are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.