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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, 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, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.