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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

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

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, 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 remainder 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 coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen 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 recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.