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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing 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 a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, 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 voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.