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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

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 used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared 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, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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