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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, 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 during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster 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 how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.