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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to 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. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, 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 invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

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

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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