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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more 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 fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.