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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty 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 English speedster 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 men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.