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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly 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? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat 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 remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.