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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 put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say 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, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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