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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary 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 had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level 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 must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.