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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"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 when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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