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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster 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 know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely 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 team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.