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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

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 served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper 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 change within the top order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just 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 establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly 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 last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.