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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. 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 a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared 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 is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.