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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener 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, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat 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 hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure 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 like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.