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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members 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 believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.