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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must 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 strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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