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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger 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 because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

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 elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. 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 regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.