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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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 an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature 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 third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.