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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity 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 suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide 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 that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.