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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.