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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way 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?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature 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.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.