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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.