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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed 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 the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, 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 Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan 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 Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered 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 might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.