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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean 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 required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent 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 five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.