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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined 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 England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 suggested he might feature in the middle order.

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 remainder 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 coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.