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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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 Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

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 - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could 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 English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

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 hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.