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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way 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 of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered 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.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.