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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially 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, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.