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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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 that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen 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 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.