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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams 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 during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 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 a 5-0 series defeat.