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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan 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 Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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