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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially 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 Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to 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?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan 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 for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

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 remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were 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 alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.