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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 after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup 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, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say 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 adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

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

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.