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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.