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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, 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. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.