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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and 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 discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.