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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need 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 forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just 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, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.