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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 only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed 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 repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam 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 about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt 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 face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation 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 participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.