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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were 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 alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.