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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - 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 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, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure 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 without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play 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 all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must 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 every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.