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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, 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 played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature 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 an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.