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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of 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 face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.