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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea 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 support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael 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 played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just 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 transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly 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 last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.