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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.