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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - 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 our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might 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

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.