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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

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

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

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

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.