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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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 pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something 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 level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.