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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, 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 consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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