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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 only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain 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 ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance 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 suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.