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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts 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 delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.