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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.