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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed 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 discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test 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. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.