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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible 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 is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, 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 like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.