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

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.