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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 put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should 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 on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - 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 often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If 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 merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked 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 could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.