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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look 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 victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed 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 newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.