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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 a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing 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 seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.