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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to 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?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing 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 all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which 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" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements 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 behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.