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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look 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 victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top 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 one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the 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 remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, 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 batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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