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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up 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 in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's 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 know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.