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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

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

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener 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 when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

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