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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment 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 to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

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 athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.