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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy 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 acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top 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 debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.