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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform 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.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide 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 will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.