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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came 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 just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.