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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen 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 poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.