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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.