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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view 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 victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like 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 top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support 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.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

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