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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great 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, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result 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 have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, 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 opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.