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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, 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

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.