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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - 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 often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open 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 could 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

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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 return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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 have England in a stranglehold and should 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 are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.