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Not in 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.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for 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 sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may 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 lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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