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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.