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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. 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 face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely 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 recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad 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 5-0.