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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that 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 the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.