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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes 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 in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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