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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware 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 must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.