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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

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 to be the opportunity 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 suggested he might feature 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 Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.