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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.