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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

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 to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.