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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach 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 in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman 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 establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.