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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going 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

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If 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 in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

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 limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.