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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing 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 on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down 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 just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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