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

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries 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 men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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.