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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England 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 the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, 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. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - 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 our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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 mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.