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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman 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 to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.