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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when 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 were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

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. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, 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 shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters 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 recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.