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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 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 remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.