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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. 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 previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side 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 are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.