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Beyond the Aussies' 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 put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary 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 had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing 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 significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.