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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson 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 don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which 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" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders 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 in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had 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.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest 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 said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

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.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

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