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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

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

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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