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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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