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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great 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 shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what 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 even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits 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 been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance 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 in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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