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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. 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 team environment."

Even as 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 of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame 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 players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 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 5-0.