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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass 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. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, 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 was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment 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 establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.