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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong 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 like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team 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, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.