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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly 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, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries 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 top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember 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 must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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