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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled 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 remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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 regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, 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 revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.