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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.