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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should 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. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide 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.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware 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 must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.