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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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 heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should 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 on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements 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 forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.