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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

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 was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. 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 previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.