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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, 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 element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into 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 batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.