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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams 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 placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other 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 when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

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

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.