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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.