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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great 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, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result 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 hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.