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Not in 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 cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. 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 deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

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.